25 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to Semester 2 and all the learning, assessment and excitement it brings for our students. What a fantastic way to return to Coolum State High School with the news of our outstanding improvements in achievement and attendance across the school population announced just in time for the beginning of Term 3. Leading the charge are our Year 12s: their conduct and maturity at the Mid-Winter Ball last term was excellent and each and every student looked simply amazing. Our seniors have followed this up with some magnificent academic achievements. At this time last year, our Year 12s had recorded 13.3% A grades, which has now risen to an amazing 23.2% A grades on Semester 1 Reports! Added to this, the number of D or E grades has fallen from 9.6% to 6.5%. What a magnificent achievement: well done Year 12! Overall, the school has seen A grades rise to 18.9% from 16.5%; and D or E grades fall from 13.1% to 9.7%. This is simply outstanding and further proof that Coolum SHS is transforming into a school to be reckoned with! Coupled with this, attendance has risen 1.1% which is a good start to improving the quality and continuity of learning for our students.

I’d like to congratulate all of our students on their fantastic collective achievements which are clearly evident in their Semester One reports. I hope all our Coolum families had the opportunity to take some time over the break to relax together and recharge the batteries for the very busy term ahead.

Speaking of batteries, I had my car serviced recently. Every time I take it in, I reflect on how very reliable it is and have a fleeting moment of wondering, “Why am I even bothering?” Surely the car will run just as well until the next service date. Why go to the trouble of losing it for the day only to pay a fair sized bill at the end for the pleasure? And then sense prevails. It is such a great car partly because it is serviced regularly. Issues are flagged, parts and oils are replaced and everything is tightened up so that my family and I can continue to travel safely in a car which is in perfect working order, not stalling at the Surf Club lights or blowing black clouds of fumes upon take off.

In the same way as a car being serviced, every school in Queensland is subject to a Teaching and Learning Review or audit every four years or so for the purpose of “supporting and improving the educational outcomes and achievements of Queensland state school students.” The reviewers (usually three assessors with one being another principal) give schools independent advice about how they are performing and where they might improve after looking at our data and feedback from a selection of students, teachers and parents. (It is important to note that reviews are not used to compare schools, or assess the performance of principals, teachers, staff or students.) Once our school is given the report, we will use the findings to shape the direction of Coolum High’s policies, procedures, curriculum and delivery within our School Strategic Plan, one which will be in place for the next four years.

For the bulk of our students over the remainder of the semester, the Teaching and Learning Review will not impact on them in any real way; for our teachers however, the review is, logistically, a lot of extra work. All of our data needs to be up to the minute, work programs, course overviews, term plans and even lesson plans need to be made available for the reviewers, not to mention the time they will spend on campus. The review is another job on the already long ‘list’ for our teachers and staff, but it is one which, like that car service, is necessary in maintaining what’s working well and improving those elements which are in need of an upgrade. As educational professionals, we welcome this opportunity to have a ‘tune up’ with other objective educational experts so that the shape and direction of our next School Strategic Plan is streamlined for excellence.

Here is a link to more information about the Eternal Review process:

As a schooling community, it is up to us to ensure this educational machine is serving our children to the best of its abilities. I encourage all our parents to be a part of that ‘tune up’ by completing the survey. Yes, servicing the car isn’t particularly glamourous, but then neither is sitting by the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Help us tune up this great school so we can be a truly magnificent one!

I would also like to take a moment to introduce some exciting changes to our leadership team. The following is a list of new staff to leadership roles within our school:

Acting Deputy Principal (Middle Secondary) – Emma Clarke
Head of Department (Teaching & Learning) - Bo George
Head of Department (Technology) 0.6 – Claire Lewis
Acting Head of Department (Creative Arts) – Jess Puncheon
Acting Head of Department (Junior Secondary) - Tracy Ford
Acting Head of Department (Physical Education) – Jade Tatnell
Acting Head of Department (Technology) 0.4 – Glenn Blair
Numeracy, Teaching & Learning Coach – Rob Proffitt-White
Master Teacher 0.4 – Kath Weston

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.

Year 7 and 8 Results

As the Deputy Principal in charge of Year 7 and 8 students, it was very pleasing to read through their report cards. I would like to especially mention the performance of our Year 7s, with almost 94% of all grades awarded being A, B or C. Almost 98% of all behaviour results in Year 7 were satisfactory or better, and 94% for Year 8.

Our Year 7s and 8s have achieved many great things in Semester 1 and I have high expectations in seeing them continue to improve this term.

Change of date confirmed – Dr Mike Nagel Parent Presentation

Unfortunately, due to illness, Dr Mike Nagel was unable to present for us at the end of last term about adolescent brain development. I am very excited to announce that we have confirmed a new date for this – Wednesday 29 August from 6:00pm-7:30pm in our new Smart Futures building.

All of our parents and families are welcome to attend, along with those from our local primary schools. We look forward to seeing you there.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal – Middle Secondary

Every Day Counts!

It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you all back to Term 3 as Deputy Principal Middle Schooling. I am looking forward to working with and celebrating the successes of our Middle School Students in Semester 2.

Our consistent message to all students at Coolum High this year is focussed on academic excellence occurs when students have excellent attendance. At Coolum SHS we have an attendance goal of 95%. Currently our school attendance rate is 89.9%. This means that on average, every student is missing around 20 days of school a year, or missing out on 4 weeks of their education every year!

At Coolum State High School we are committed to the rigorous improvement of this statistic. The Queensland Government provides excellent information to parents about the importance of attendance through its “Every Day Counts” campaign including the fact that regular attendance at school means students learn better, make better friends and have a brighter future.

In her time with us as Deputy Principal Wendy McDermott shared some excellent strategies for building routines with your child to support them in coming to school and meeting the 95% attendance target.

Ideas include:

• Establish consistent bedtime routines
• Remove all devices after a set time and disallow them from students’ bedrooms
• Set a time for daily activities and homework
• Communicate positively about the value and opportunity schooling facilitates with your child
• Help them to have their uniform and bag ready to go the night before
• Be firm in your insistence that your child attend school every day
• Schedule holidays in school holiday time.
• Schedule appointments after school

Let us work together to ensure your child has the maximum opportunity for success at school and in life.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Middle Secondary

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

Welcome back to Term 3, a very important time for our Year 12 students. In Week 8 of this term, the year 12 OP students will be sitting the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) exams that help determine their overall position, a number that is generated to gain a university position. From the early testing and preparation that we have been undertaking this term, we are extremely confident of great results in the QCS exams.

During Term 3 students will be again working through career guidance information to ensure they are selecting subjects they need and can be successful in regardless of their intended pathway. In Week 3 we will be having a Subject Expo with ATAR and New QCE Talk, detailed information about this afternoon has been emailed to parents of Year 10 students and will appear on our Facebook page. SET Planning will take place in Week 5 to finalise the subject selection process. It is important to remember when selecting senior subjects that Year 10 students first priority is to identify their intended pathway, either an ATAR pathway (university bound) or NON ATAR pathway (trade or employment).

During the first few weeks of term, senior reporting, attendance and behaviour data will be analysed to identify students that are at risk of not receiving a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). QCE at risk interviews with senior students will be taking place to identify the areas of concern and developing improvement strategies to ensure success in the next reporting period.

Research has clearly identified that academic success has close links to student attendance. Student attendance is an area that we can improve particularly senior schooling. Coolum SHS places great emphasis on student attendance and we have set a target of 95% to reflect this. At the end of Semester 1, senior students achieved the following attendance rate below.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

All outstanding fees are now due. There will be a number of communications sent to you this term, including a Statement of Account emailed to you every fortnight with your outstanding amount. We will also be sending text messages to remind you of the amounts due for fee-paying subjects. This is particularly crucial as without payment your child may be moved into another subject that is non-fee paying. Please note that if a negative amount appears on your statement this indicates that you are in credit OR we have provided an adjustment to your account. If there is no negative, it means you owe the amount.

The SRS is a very important part of the school’s financial health and I can’t stress enough the importance of this scheme and what it means to the school and our students. With income from the SRS fees, the school’s other funding would be directed in areas such as more seating for our students; replace old and rusted furniture in classrooms; improve our grounds and gardens; prioritise maintenance jobs such as leaking roofs, toilets and gutters; freshly paint our buildings and amenities inside and out and so much more. One of the many challenges we face is constantly trying to balance the budget with what is needed to ensure your child gets the best from their time at Coolum State High School.

What has the SRS allowed the school to purchase this year?

• New textbooks at a cost of approximately $20,000
• Resources for the Reading to Learn (R2L) Program such as whiteboard markers, highlighters, show-me boards
• $40 photo copying credit for your child
• Student Diary with plenty of useful information for your child to track their personal goals, track and record their academic success and jot down useful class notes
• We are also able to offer a Student ID Card as part of the Scheme
• Ingredients for Home Economics and Sewing classes
• Equipment and resources for manual arts and industrial design and technology classes
• Software licences
• Workbooks

And so much more…

Year 10 Set Planning

In Week 5 this term we start the process for Year 10 Set Planning and subject selection. Please note that we will require a 50% payment on the day of the subject fee selection and without this 50% payment, your child will not be enrolled into the subject. The 50% balance is due in Week 9 of this term. If you have not made full payment by this time, your child will be moved out of that subject and enrolled into a non-fee paying subject. We will take 50% payment at the time of subject selection sign-off so that your child does not miss out on their chosen pathway.

I want to thank all families that have contributed to SRS this year and previous years, your contribution is very much valued by the school and without your participation we would not be able to support our students. Please support the scheme and help Coolum State High School be the best it can be.

Let’s work together to provide the best teaching and learning resources, equipment and facilities for our kids. Paying your fees on time and in full is one of the ways that you can contribute to making their school experience even better. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s account.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

P&C Executive

P&C Trivia Night – 3 AUGUST 2018

We cannot believe its half way through the year already. Hopefully everyone had a restful break.

As the Coolum State High School P&C Executive Committee we are excited to start a signature event that can become an annual fundraising event to support the growth of Coolum State High School.

On Friday 3 August we will be holding our first annual CSHS Trivia Night. These types of events are always lots of fun and guarantee a laugh or two with lots games and prizes!!

We encourage you to book a table of 6 together and join in the fun. Cost is $20 per table to participate. Book at the school Administration Office and name your table ready for the night.

The theme is MEN & WOMEN in UNIFORM with prizes for the best dressed table and individuals.

Any donations for prizes, or even sponsorship as we build this event to be an annual fundraiser would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact us via email if you have any queries with regards to donations and sponsorship. pandcexecutive@eq.edu.au

Nothing is too small, from a bottle of sauce (for a fun activity we have planned on the night) to a gift voucher. We would be grateful for donations which will help ensure this event is successful.

Of course, all of what we raise goes straight back into the school. There is no shortage of things this money will help support from music tours, special events, uniforms and the new bike shelter.

If you could donate your time to set up in the afternoon of Friday 3 August and/or volunteer on the night behind the bar, it would be appreciated. The more the merrier, they say.

We encourage you to ask friends and come along for a great night of entertainment.

Monica Kutt
Vice President

Student Services

Head of Year News

Year 7

Year 7s had a busy last term with NAPLAN, the beginning of our Diffusion for Resolution Program, athletics carnival preparation, interschool sport trials and debating kicking off. We had a focus on unleashing our personal potentials in our Character, Citizenship and Careers (CCC) lessons to promote students achieving their individual best in all aspects of curricula and extra curricula endeavours. Students, Hugh Blair and Josie James, showed exceptional resilience and ability to demonstrate their best, being awarded the ‘Bounce Back Basketball’ by their fellow peers.

We have another busy and exciting term ahead, with interschool sport starting Week 2. The interschool sport trials in Term 2 were very strong, with coaches taking a number of trials and days to distinguish their teams. Our Year 7 students demonstrated a high level of athletic ability within Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and Touch Football. Each Thursday our selected teams will compete in the North District Secondary Schools InterSchool Sport Competition, competing against Sunshine Beach SHS, Noosa District SHS, Burnside SHS and St Theresa’s College. I am confident all students will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity and represent Coolum exceptionally.

Rachel Denning
Head of Year 7

Year 8

It was a very successful Semester 1 for Year 8 in a number of ways. The school was well represented by a number of students across various sports which all performed strongly. The Year 8 Boys Rugby League team played in the Justin Hodges 9’s competition and finished with 2 wins and a draw. The majority of this team then backed up for the Term 2 North Region Competition which they won convincingly.

Our Year 8 interschool sports teams competed in Volleyball, Basketball, Touch Football and Soccer with the Coolum High Years 8s winning the competition overall. We have had numerous Year 8 students involved in Academy programs across Music, Cheer and Sports with outstanding performances.

As part of an inter house rivalry competition the Year 8s competed in a ‘last person standing’ dodgeball competition. The competition was well received by the majority of Year 8 students with students very eager to compete on Friday lunch times. The eventual winner was 8C2 with the last person standing being Tiare. Well done to all involved.

Lee Francey
Head of Year 8

Year 9

I would like to extend a warm welcome back to Year 9s and their families. Term 2 was a busy term which saw the Year 9s participate in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Early in the term, the Year 9s sat their last NAPLAN. All students are to be congratulated for the way they conducted themselves throughout the 3-day examination. The results will be release later in the year and will be great opportunity for students to get a snapshot of their literacy and numeracy level and how it compares to like students across the state and nation. In CCC lessons students engaged in an “Unleashing Potential” program which gave them the opportunity to explore Fixed vs Growth mindsets. The big take-away for students was that hard work leads to improved outcomes, in any aspect of life. Towards the end of term, Year 9s participated in a lunchtime Oztag competition. It was awesome to see the level of involvement and to see that students were genuinely enjoying themselves doing something active during their lunch break. We concluded the term with the presentation of the HOY Award which acknowledges a student who best demonstrated the schools’ values of care, respect and excellence. Congratulations Makaeli!

As we enter Term 3, we revisit the importance of attendance. Students who have greater than 95% attendance or have improved their attendance since Term 1, will be invited to a sausage sizzle, as a reward. In Character Citizenship and Careers lessons, students will turn their focus to Growth Mindset and Grit (Persistence). After the success of Oztag, lunchtime activities will continue this term also. I look forward to the term ahead in Year 9.

Jock McCabe
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Welcome back for Semester 2 Year 10 students and parents. As you’ll be aware SET Planning is the focus for the first half of Term 3. Students are to be commended for the way in which they have been approaching their subject selections for next year – they’ve definitely been putting a lot of thought into what is a major decision for them.

We will be having our Subject Expo at the school in Week 3 of this term Wednesday 1 August in the hall from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Please come along and ask questions about the subjects that are on offer for next year. In Week 5 of this term, we will be conducting SET Plan interviews for each student. These interviews are mandatory for all Year 10 students and require both the student and at least one parent to be there to sign off on final subject selections for next year. Students must have completed their SET Plan prior to the interviews – these need to be completed electronically through OneSchool. If anyone is having issues completing them, please come and see Mr Blair as soon as possible. More details about how to sign up for the interview will come out soon.

I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Year 10 students and their families for the improvements which the year level has shown in attendance over Term 2. It has been a major focus for the school and it has been great to see students take it on and be at school as much as possible to take advantage of learning opportunities. I hope to continue to see students strive to reach our goal of 95% attendance.

Glenn Blair
Head of Year 10

Year 11

The first semester has been a busy one for Year 11 students. Highlights include a visit from The Australian Air Force and the Hello World excursion to our local TAFEs and USC. Many students have also dedicated their time at important events like Relay for life and the gruelling Kokoda.

I am very proud to announce that Keeley Duggan and Sarina Petersen have been elected by their peers to represent the student body in our School Council. Their dedication to our school community is very impressive.

We are now entering a crucial time in Year 11 where it is imperative that students are doing everything in their power to ensure they succeed. Students need to be punctual, focussed and organised with the correct uniform and equipment needed for the day. All students have spent time this week reflecting on Semester 1 results and setting goals to improve or maintain their attendance, effort and behaviour in classes.

I am encouraging all students to attend our Athletics Carnival on Friday 27 July (Week 3). It is a great event for students to come together to participate, compete and support their house. It is a fantastic day that is always thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

The 2019 Leadership Campaign will open this term and all students are encouraged to apply. Positions include School Captains, Council Presidents and Sports Captains.

Danielle Siegert
Head of Year 11

Year 12

On the final day of Term 2, our Year 12s were up bright and early. Were they studying? No, exams were well and truly over. It was the day of Coolum High’s Mid-Winter Ball and the last-minute appointments with dressmakers, hairdressers, nail technicians and makeup artists were already underway! The weather could not have been kinder to us and as the warm rays of the sun gave way to the beautiful sunset over beachside Surfair Resort. The students arrived in everything from a stunning Chevrolet and a vintage Model T, to an MG sports and a fleet of shining Kombi Vans. If we thought the arrivals were amazing, we were stunned by the beauty of the elegant gowns and smart suits that adorned our Year 12s. Everyone looked incredibly grown up and stylish. The venue was perfect - the students joined their families and teachers for pre-dinner Welcome Canapes in the Spinnaker Room where the formalities began. After an hour of mingling, fine food and lots of photos, families bid farewell and the students and teachers enjoyed dinner together in the Ballroom. Our guest speaker was former school Captain Rebecca Elsley who talked about her life beyond Coolum High and the double university degrees she is studying. It was wonderful to hear from a former student about how the values she learned here at school have given her the tools to build a fantastic future.

After dinner and the cutting of the cake (thanks to our wonderful P&C Committee), the dance floor was packed and the photo booth was working overtime. Personally, I would like to thank all staff who assisted me in creating this event – Danielle, Nicky, Robbie, Glenn, Brent, Kath, Lindy, Maria and Sharon - I couldn’t have done it without you! It was truly a sensational way to end Term 2 for our Year 12 cohort. Only 15 school weeks to go!

Alison Venning
Head of Year 12

Guidance News

This is an important term for senior students, particularly Year 12s as they make important decisions regarding Tertiary study. Below is an outline of the Open Days and Expo’s available to assist with these decisions. Year 10 and 11 students will find these events useful in selecting and confirming their subject choices, and to discuss the results they will need to gain entry into their course of choice.

Year 12 students should have received their QTAC books and every student will have an interview with a Guidance Officer as well as their usual mentor meetings. We encourage parent involvement in these important decisions and invite you to contact us at any time to discuss your child’s aspirations and application to Tertiary institutions.

Liz Mortimer and Alison Upton
Guidance Officers

Kokoda Challenge

34 Coolum State High School students and staff stood up to be counted at one of Australia’s toughest endurance events, the Kokoda Challenge! This annual event held on the Gold Coast consists of two gruelling cross country events, with four 48km and three 96km teams entered by Coolum SHS.

The teams are a combination of students and staff; each team member plays an important role and without the different characters and different emotions demonstrated, the challenge would simply not be as extraordinary.

Teacher and 96km team member, Sam Barrow, said ‘this challenge is 40% physical and 60% mental strength. On this journey, people talk about the waves of emotions that participants go through. The highs at the start and nearing the finish, the lows in the middle of the night when it’s cold and you just want to quit. I heard so many “I hate this, I can’t do it, I don’t want to do it anymore”. We all have our own demons out on the course, but it’s the perseverance and determination of students and support of fellow teammates that truly shines through and gets everyone across the line’.

Event organiser and teacher Courtney Goodacre said ‘If there is no challenge, how do you know what you can really do? I hope from this experience, the students have begun to find out how mentally strong they really are and how hard they can push themselves to achieve great things. Hopefully it will translate into the rest of their schooling and their futures’.

48km Milestones:

• Patrick Miller did not miss one training session in preparation for this event and it truly showed as he took on every hill and every step with untiring effort and ability.
• Cooper Montgomery throughout the entire 48km, his unwavering state of mind and absolute support for his team got a number of team members over the line. Whether he was giving encouragement up the hills or just chatting to keep people’s mind off the pain. He was just amazing; every team needs a Cooper Montgomery! – Well done! His quote, ‘It was just good fun!’

96km Milestones:

• After supporting the other 2 teams to the final checkpoint, they pushed quickly across the last 30km to be the fasted 96km team from Coolum SHS in four years, congratulations Wil, Charlie, Jacob and Holly with Sam Barrow
• Bodhi Roberts who was in so much pain from a knee injury, pushed through to finish the event.

The participants fundraise for months leading up to the event; monies raised go to disadvantaged teenagers through the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program. Huge thanks must go to Coolum Bowls Club whom without the support of we wouldn’t be able to raise funds and take part in this incredible event. We also give thanks to the support crew and parents who provide invaluable assistance in preparation and on the day, they too are an integral part of the team.

Courtney Goodacre
Teacher

Debating

Debating – About to begin!

Our debating teams are gearing up for the 2018 Chancellor’s Challenge debating competition, which begins on Wednesday 8 August.

Last term, the teams took turns practising after school and this term, debaters will travel to the University of the Sunshine Coast for the annual Debating Expo. The Expo will be held on Monday 30 July and is designed to help debaters practise their skills and gain the confidence needed to compete against other schools. The Expo has been offered to all Junior debaters and spare places will be made available to Intermediate debaters in Years 8 and 9. Students will participate in a range of fun activities and watch a live debate.

Shout out for parent help! This year we have nine registered teams who will need transport to Siena Catholic College each Wednesday evening from 8 August, for the 4 week competition. The school mini-bus may be used to transport Year 7s to their early debates but parents will need to arrange pick up after the debate.

For later debates, if parents take turns driving and car pooling, it helps to make participation easier for all concerned. Parents are welcome to stay and watch their own child’s team debate, or to leave and return for pick up. Arrival and pick up times at Siena Catholic College are as follows:

Thanks in advance for the parental help and support required, to allow so many students to experience debating and represent our school in this exciting competition.

Looking forward to our biggest and best debating season yet!

Colette Webber
Debating Coordinator

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Hello World Trips

At the end of last term, all Year 11 and 12 students were involved in our ‘Hello World’ Trips. Year 11 vocational students visited both Sunshine Coast TAFE campuses and our Year 12 students explored Southbank TAFE campus in Brisbane.

The purpose of these experiences is for students to explore options available to them as they continue to make plans around a pathway of further education, training or employment.

TAFE @ School Program

Applications for Semester 2 TAFE at School courses are now open with classes starting from Week 2. Any Year 11 students who are interested in finding out more about this program and the courses on offer should come to the VET Office as soon as possible to discuss further.

Subject Expo

Be sure to check out the Vocational Education and Training (VET) area at the Subject Expo on 1 August. There will be a range of external agencies with displays and industry representatives on hand to discuss pathways for students.

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

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. Those students who have already expressed interest will be contacted this week to discuss next steps.

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

CPC30211 Certificate III Carpentry – Trade, Noosa
MEM30205 Certificate III Engineering - Mechanical Trade - Fitter and Turner, Warana
AHC20410 Certificate II Horticulture – Nursery, Noosa/Cooroibah
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Goodness Gracious Café, Yandina
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – North Shore Tavern, Pacific Paradise
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Aromas, Noosa
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Pizza Capers, Noosa Junction
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Subway, Noosa Civic
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Laughing Lobster, Marcoola
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Donut King, Noosa Civic
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Indian Restaurant, Yandina
SIT30616 Certificate III Commercial Cookery – Master Sushi, Nambour

Casual Employment

A news agency in the Coolum area is seeking 2 x casual employees (14 – 15 years) for after school or weekend work.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact the VET office and complete an EOI form.

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)

Chaplaincy News

Chaplaincy depends strongly on the financial support of the local community. Generous donations and fundraising events are a vital part of keep the service continuing. This year we have to raise even more if we are to keep Kit (2nd Chaplain) here for 2019. So, what can you do to help?

On Sunday 29 July at 2pm the Sunshine Coast Concert Band will be putting on a fundraising concert for Chaplaincy. It will feature a 40-piece band directed by well-known Sunshine Coast local and music director Ken Chadwick. Alex Chambers, a young (age 17) up and coming performer on the coast, with a magnificent voice, will be singing and featuring in a number of items including some Frank Sinatra classics. Afternoon tea will be provided, it is an afternoon not to miss.

Kit and I hope to see you there.

Mark Horsfall
Chaplain

Bus Travel
Common Questions around School

Q: Can passengers other than School Children catch a Buslink School Bus?

A: Buslink School Buses are a designated service for school students. Each bus has a sole purpose of picking up registered students on a designated route and delivering students to school in the morning and then returning students from school via a designated route home in the afternoon. Buslink school buses do not pick up any adults or children without a valid school student ID.

Q: How do I know which Buslink bus my child needs to catch? Is there a timetable I can access?

A: On our website (www.buslink.com.au) under the “Your Bus Services” under “Sunshine Coast” you will find access to all the information you require. There is a section that will show you which bus routes go to which schools and suburbs. From there, if you click on the bus route number, it will take you through to the Journey Planner on the Translink website which will list all the pickup and drop off points with relevant times.

Q: What fare is accepted to get on the Buslink School Bus?

A: All students must show a fare when entering our buses. We accept a Buslink Bus pass, Cash or a Go Card as payment for a fare. Without one of these three methods, YOUR CHILD IS FARE EVADING.

Q: What is the Code of Conduct?

A: Similar to schools, in order to utilise the services provided by Buslink, students must comply with a Code of Conduct. The code has been developed by Translink, in conjunction with bus operators, and is there to protect students, parents and drivers. It regulates the behaviour that is expected on the buses and ensures the safety of all children while on board. If the Code of Conduct is breached by a student, disciplinary action may occur.

Q: Does Buslink tolerate bullying on school buses?

A: Absolutely not. If there are any issues of bullying on the bus, please ensure your child tells someone they feel safe telling, for example another student, a teacher, a parent or the driver. Once we are notified of the issue, we will follow our internal procedures to rectify the situation.

Q: Do I need to book my child on the Buslink School bus?

A: No, you don’t. Your child can simply wait at the bus stop and can board the bus when it arrives. We suggest that the students are at the bus stop in the morning 10 minutes prior to the bus departure time to ensure they don’t miss the bus.