16 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Is your senior student starting to become more short tempered, with untidier hair and spending longer periods of time staring into the fridge?? Don’t worry, it’s just Term Three, a period of the school year characterised by stress, frenetic periods of work and the odd dose of procrastination.

With the Queensland Core Skills Test a few short weeks away and assessment deadlines becoming closer and tighter, this time of year can be incredibly stressful for the Year 11 and 12s. It is sometimes easy, when parts of our lives become overly demanding and hectic during a short period of time, to lose sight of the very reasons we embarked on such a stressful journey. We can forget that this short-term pressure is necessary to acquire long-term gain and for our Senior students, they must be reminded that to arrive at the best possible post-school destination, they are required to put in the hard work necessary to get over those mountains of assessment and oceans of the QCST.

Many of the concepts and assessments presented to students in Year 12 within subject areas are complex and of a high academic or skill level. They are meant to be difficult and can only be mastered through consistent hard work and dedicated application. For those believing the rumour that ‘you can’t study for the QCST’, this is completely false. We have been running full practice sessions of the four papers since last year along with weekly lessons in how to approach each test: your student most definitely should be studying and practising for the QCST.

Year 12 is not a breeze for students. It is their final year of schooling before they are deemed adults and arrive into a world of work or further study and training. As such, working throughout this year in a consistent and dedicated manner really is the only way to guarantee them success later on. The teachers and staff shepherding them through this final year are committed to supporting and encouraging our seniors, working tirelessly to ensure they are receiving the best possible instruction and learning experiences. Coupled with the support they undoubtedly receive from home, our Year 12s must keep in mind the end result of all this hard work and pressure: that job, university or further training placement and the important personal knowledge that they are capable of climbing those mountains and crossing those oceans.

Work hard, Seniors and success will come your way!

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” ~ Colin Powell.

We are very excited that 2018 will see the inaugural cap and gown Graduation Ceremony for our Year 12 students, a significant event commensurate with the successful culmination of 12 years of schooling. This formal occasion will be held at the Calvary Christian Church on Thursday 15 November. We look forward to celebrating the wonderful achievement of our graduating Year 12 students in style.

Further details about this event will be provided in future newsletters.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

Year 10 SET Planning

The Year 10 set planning interviews were completed on Tuesday to formally sign off on 2019 subject preferences. We will identify those students that did not complete their set planning interview and make contact for an appropriate time to finalise this compulsory process. It is again important to remember that students follow these important steps when selecting subject preferences

1. Determine your pathway, ATAR or NON ATAR
2. Select subjects that are prerequisites for future pathways
3. Select subject that you will be successful in
4. Select subjects that you have an interest in

Student subject preferences will be continually reviewed throughout the remainder of the year against subject prerequisites and Year 10 Semester 2 academic results. This process will ensure students have greater success in Year 11 2019.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

It is important that parents and students understand the requirements of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) at all stages of their senior schooling journey. The table below gives a snap shot of the four categories that students are required to achieve to gain a QCE. Parents are encouraged to visit the QCAA website should they require additional information.

2018 Next Step - Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual state-wide survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who in 2017 left school without obtaining Year 12 certification. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school.

Between August and September, students who left school early in 2017 can expect to receive an invitation to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

Year 10 Set Planning

I am very humbled by the response we had to Set Planning payments at this week’s Set Planning session. It is wonderful to see our parent community supporting our school and working with us to ensure your child does not miss out on their chosen subject/s. We understand it can be a costly time for senior school parents and we very much appreciate your payment efforts.

Let’s work together to provide the best teaching and learning resources, equipment and facilities for our students. 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 do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s account.

Student Resource Scheme 2018 – this is due now. The $300 each year goes a long way towards the purchase of textbooks, resources, workbooks, photocopying, software applications and so much more. Please finalise your 2018 payment now.

Senior School is a very important time in the life of your student and on-time payment of Student Resource Scheme, subject fees and certificate fees is very important. Without full payment of fees, your student’s place in the certificate or subject may be affected, including removal from that subject if we do not receive payment by the set dates and times.

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.

Fee payment contributes to the ability of the school to purchase much needed resources for that subject. When it comes to certificate courses, full payment is of utmost significance because without payment your child will not receive their certificate and it could affect their potential to graduate.

Student Resource Scheme 2019 – we have not increased the SRS for the past three years and once again the school and the P&C have endorsed it to remain at $300 for 2019 for all year levels. The 2019 SRS form will go home with your child in Week 8 of this term. Please complete and sign the form and return it to the school as soon as possible.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

Tutorials – Term 3

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

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

Our first classes have commenced and everyone is excited about the journey ahead! Students who are interested in finding out more about this course, should see Mr Walden in DBA.

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
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
SIT30616 Certificate III Commercial Cookery – The Canteen Restaurant, Coolum

Full-Time Apprenticeships

These opportunities are not school based. They would suit those looking to leave school as a priority and transition into the workforce.

Current Vacancies

Apprentice Cabinetmaker - Coolum Beach (2 positions)
Apprentice Carpenter - Maroochydore
Apprentice Commercial Cook - Mooloolaba
Apprentice Construction Landscaper - Caboolture
Apprentice Painter - Maroochydore
Apprentice Painter & Decorator - Maroochydore
Engineering Production Traineeship - Kunda Park
Apprentice Chef - Coolum Beach

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)

Guidance Officers News

All Year 12 students have been provided with a QTAC book which will assist them in making decisions regarding Tertiary study for 2019. Students have also been provided with important dates for University Open Days and other information sessions that may assist their planning. We are currently meeting with each Year 12 student discussing their plans for 2019 and beyond. Students have a record of this discussion, and we are very happy to have a further meeting with parents and students to assist with this decision making process.

Year 11 students who did not pass in a subject studied in Semester 1 should have put in place with teachers a plan for passing or have made the decision and changed subjects. If you have concerns regarding your child’s progress in any subjects, please contact us so that we can assist them on the way to success in all of their subjects.

Year 10 students have their SET plan meeting this week. Students who have goal in mind tend to experience greater success at school. Students have completed sessions on Career exploration in CCC classes, and hopefully this has helped in providing them with future career options and ideas. Whilst there is a change in assessment processes, and in the structure of Senior Schooling in Queensland, it is still fundamentally important that students are choosing subjects they enjoy and do well at, as this will give them the greatest chance of success in senior years. If parents would like to discuss any aspects of career exploration or subject selection please contact us.

Liz Mortimer
Guidance Officer

Preparing for the QCS Test

Year 12 OP students will sit the Queensland Core Skills Test on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 of September. This is a gruelling two days that can be draining for students physically and emotionally. Year 11 OP students will also have QCS practice tests over the same two days.

As parents, there are things that you can do to help your child prepare for the QCS test so that they perform at their absolute best:

• Ensure your child has a calm and restful weekend preceding the week of the tests.
• Encourage your child to get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the tests and especially on Monday and Tuesday nights. Limiting social media can be especially helpful in getting students feeling calm and well rested.
• It is important that students have adequate hydration and a healthy breakfast on the mornings of the test. They will achieve their best if their brains are fuelled well for the day. Healthy items for lunch will also help replenish their store of energy for the afternoon tests.
• Please ensure that your child will have a calm and organized start to each test day and arrive at school by 8.20am so that they can prepare themselves without the stress of rushing or being late.
• If your child shows mild signs of stress and anxiety, this can be quite normal leading up to such an important test. Please keep calm yourself and in most cases, they will manage their anxiety well. If you have concerns about your child’s anxiety levels in such situations, please talk to the school Guidance Officers who can offer advice.
• It is important to remind your child that the QCS test is very important, but they will get through successfully and life will continue on afterwards. After the test, regardless of how they performed, they need not dwell on the outcome.
• In any cases of last minute illness, injury or emergency it is vital that you call the school as soon as possible to inform us of the situation. Please tell the office staff that your child is due to sit the QCS test. In such cases a Guidance Officer will be in touch with you. In all cases, if a student is unable to sit the QCS test full documentation must be provided.
• Finally, give your child plenty of hugs and support, both before and after the QCS test!

Sean Sweeney
Head of Senior Schooling

University Sunshine Coast News

Getting an early and guaranteed offer to university

Waiting for university offers to be made can be a nervous time for Year 12 students and their parents. USC’s Early Offer Guarantee program lets eligible students receive an offer to study in 2019 in early November, so they can plan for the study journey ahead knowing they’ve got uni sorted. Applications for this program are now open for Year 12 students. Completed applications need to be submitted to the school by 12 October.

What is Early Offer Guarantee?

The Early Offer Guarantee is a program for eligible Year 12 students to gain an early and guaranteed offer to a USC program before they receive their Year 12 results, as long they have met all the entry criteria.

What are the requirements of Early Offer Guarantee?

The Early Offer Guarantee is no free ride and all normal course prerequisites (mandatory school subjects that need to be completed to gain entry into a university program) still apply.

Your child doesn’t need to be OP eligible to apply, but they do need to demonstrate a level of academic performance and potential in line with the OP/rank minimum selection threshold for their preferred program.

How does my child apply?

To apply, your child will need approval from their Principal, who will consider your child’s academic performance, motivation to succeed, and personal qualities like their interests, passion and talents.

There are some programs that are not available for entry through the Early Offer Guarantee program, so your child will need to check their preferred program.

Your child will also need to put the USC program they are applying for early entry into as their first preference in their Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) application.

More information about the Early Offer Guarantee program is available through the USC website.

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