19 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Term three has been an incredibly full one at Coolum High. Students have completed very meaningful exams and participated in a wide range of sport, musical and cultural activities. We are making great progress and looking forward to further growth as we seek to become ‘the best we can be.’

This week, we have four senior educators from the Department of Education’s ‘School Improvement Unit’ who will develop a report that will help to shape our next four-year strategic plan. I don’t know about you – but the next four years are something I think are very exciting. Given our location, our students, our staff and our growing sense of self-belief, I know we can achieve great things!

Term three has been an incredibly full one in the school’s calendar and I know I speak for staff and students when I predict that the upcoming two week break is very welcome. The workload for our staff and students both in and out of the classrooms has been enormous this term and I would like to thank everyone attending our magnificent school for their diligence and dedication to teaching and learning in an excellent manner during this time.

The examples of Coolum students who have achieved excellence because they made every moment count honing their skills and knowledge are not hard to find. Our Girls Under14s Rugby team made the Grand Final against St Theresa’s Catholic College this week because they gave 100% at each and every practice and were committed to supporting a vision with their teammates. What an amazing group of students who have shown such grit and singular purpose: if only the Wallabies were as dependable! Then we had Ezekial Hawkins making the Australian Football Team, a feat of absolute athleticism and dextrous footwork made a reality because he attended each and every practice in a focussed and determined manner with an amazing goal in mind. I’m sure we’ll see Ezekial vying for a spot on the Socceroos side in a few years to come! Let’s congratulate Ezekial’s parents who have done so much running around, including between Coolum and Brisbane, to allow him to achieve his goals. And, let’s not forget our Senior Debating Team who will be fighting for the grand prize after the holidays, going through to the ‘qualifying rounds’ undefeated. These examples are just some from the many accomplishments our students have achieved over the past few weeks where the high expectations set have been met and exceeded.

Schooling is a process of continually developing skills and knowledge, and at Coolum, we have instituted high expectations to improve the educational outcomes of all our students. In an increasingly competitive global jobs market, qualifications and continuous upskilling are becoming a requirement of gainful employment. It follows then, that having students understand the innate value of attending every class, being attentive, respectful and taking pride in their appearance is more important than ever.

Increasingly, in speaking to parents, I would like to promote the value of our wonderful local university, The University of the Sunshine Coast. As our school grows and develops, in my vision I see USC as an integral part of giving our students opportunity and access to the exciting futures available for them.

Lastly, well done to our students and staff on another term of purposeful teaching and learning! I would like to wish all of our Coolum families a safe and restful break and look forward to this outstanding momentum of achievement continuing next term.

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 Attendance

It has been great to see so many Year 7 and 8 students with 100% attendance throughout Term 3. Having excellent attendance for all students is a key priority for our school. The year-to-date attendance for Year 7 is 91% and Year 8 is 90%. I believe there are many improvements we can make to increase this attendance to reach our school-wide target of 92+%.

Writing on Demand

You may have heard from your student in Years 7-9 that they undertake a piece of writing each fortnight as part of our strategy to improve writing. This term it has involved giving students a stimulus on which to write a persuasive piece. I am very excited that there has been much improvement in student writing from Terms 2 to 3. Not only have students been writing more, they have also been structuring their work much better and improving their use of persuasive devices. This is great work to celebrate from our students and teachers.

Year 7 Interschool Sport

Well done to all of our Interschool sporting teams for their great achievements throughout the regular season. It was fantastic that all teams qualified for the finals day which was held on Thursday. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of these teams on full school parade. I would also like to thank our teachers who have supported the students as coaches for the various sports.

Safe travel to and from school

With our ever growing Coolum-Peregian community, there is more traffic movement and more people around schools and local streets than ever before. It is important that students are giving due care and attention when riding bikes on roads or scooters/skateboards on footpaths.

With this in mind, I would like to ask all families to talk with their children about safe travel to and from school. This is an important issue as there are more cars on the roads and students in our community travelling to and from school.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal – Middle Secondary

Excellence in everything we do

Let me start this week by thanking all the parents and students who attended the Middle School Subject Information Evening held last Monday night. We had a record turnout of families keen to engage with information regarding the new ATAR system and the implications for elective subject choices for their students heading into Year 9 and 10. It was standing room only!

From here students and parents have been emailed the process for logging onto OneSchool to complete their preference selection.

This is a smorgasbord process whereby students select the relevant number of elective choices for their year level and one alternate choice plus the core subjects. Families should refer to the instructions when working through this process.

Students have received their Student Resource Scheme (SRS) form during Home Group this week. Once your child has completed the online process, return a signed copy of the OneSchool form, along with the completed Student Resource Scheme (SRS) form, to the school administration building. Please be aware that we cannot accept the OneSchool preference form without the SRS form. Please ensure that both forms are submitted at the same time.

All SRS and subject preferences are to be completed and returned by close of business, Thursday 20 September 2018.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Middle Secondary

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

With the end of term approaching rapidly it is important that students attend school each and every day as there is still significant events for senior students’ right up to and including the last day of term. All Year 11 students are out Thursday Week 10 visiting the Queensland University of Technology at the gardens point campus or the TAFE campus in Southbank Brisbane. These Hello World excursions have been a fantastic opportunity to investigate possible future educational options post Year 12.

Report cards are currently going through a final checking process and will be emailed home on Friday afternoon. If you wish to receive a hard copy of the report you can contact the office or for those on Q parents simply print the report card from there.

Finally we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

Student Resource Scheme

Term 3 has gone by very fast! Thank you for the ongoing commitment you have with the payment of your fees, it helps the school to provide teaching and learning resources for your students. Now that we are in Week 10, the Statement of Account will be emailed to you this week. A reminder that all outstanding fees are due now. We have also sent home with your student the 2019 Student Resource Scheme to give you a head start on this fee. The final payment of $300 SRS fee is due by the end of Week 2 Term 2, 2019. 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.

Year 10 Set Planning

If you have yet to finalise your Year 10 Set Planning fees, now is the time to do this. We require the minimum 50% fee and the final payment before the end of next term. This is particularly crucial as without payment your student may be moved into another subject that is non-fee paying.

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 don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your students account.

Have a great spring break and we look forward to working with you for the benefit of your student next term.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

P&C Executive

What a busy term for us! Three of our members attended the P&C annual conference in mid-September. This was a great way to meet like-minded people, who give their time willingly to support schools all around Queensland. It was very inspirational.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our various fundraisers in Term 3, from the Trivia night in August, to the Red Food day last Friday. 10 weeks gone in a flash! Everyone deserves the break and we wish all families a safe an enjoyable Spring Holiday.

A reminder that next term we have the COLOUR RUN on Friday 2 November. An event not to be missed.

We are still looking for donations of equipment we can use to create the obstacle course, so PLEASE let us know if you have any of the items below that you are willing to donate.

• Hay Bales
• Tyres
• Heavy ropes
• Hoola- hoops
• Ladders
• Inflatables
• Climbing nets - in fact anything that can be used to create an obstacle course.!!!

If you are able to help or know of anyone who can help, please email us asap at pandcexecutive@coolumshs.eq.edu.au. The more “things” we have, the more fun and challenging it will be!

Monica Kutt
Vice President

Tutorials – Homework Club

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

‘Hello World’ – Southbank TAFE

In Week 10, our Year 11 vocational pathways students will be participating in another “Hello World” experience. This term, we will be visiting Southbank TAFE to explore potential course offerings available as plans are made around transitioning into further education, training or employment.

Please ensure permission forms are returned.

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

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

Community Solutions

Apprentice Chef (Sunshine Coast)
Administration Traineeship (Sunshine Coast)

East Coast Apprenticeships

Apprentice Landscape Construction – Caloundra
Apprentice Cabinetmaker - Coolum Beach
Apprentice Carpenter – Maroochydore
Business Administration Traineeship - Coolum Beach
Apprentice Solid Plasterer – Maroochydore

MIGAS **local opportunity**

Boilermaking Apprenticeship - Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade
Maroochydore – Sunshine Coast Council

MIGAS 2019 CAPCOAL UNDERGROUND APPRENTICESHIP INTAKE

Mechanical Fitting Apprenticeship x4 – Middlemount
Electrical Apprenticeship x 2 – Middlemount

MIGAS 2019 QGC PATHWAYS apprenticeship and trainee intake

• Warehousing Traineeship x 1 – Chinchilla
• Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship x 4 – Chinchilla
• Mechanical Fitting Apprenticeship x 3 – Chinchilla
• Process Plant Operations Traineeship x 2 – Chinchilla
• Wellsite Operations Traineeship x 2 – Chinchilla
• Completed or be in the process of completing your Year 12 certificate or equivalent

In 2019 TAFE Queensland is running a new Certificate II in Plumbing progam at Nambour and will be continuing the Certificate I in Construction program. These programs are both specifically designed to kick start careers in Plumbing and Construction.

Contact: Mark Robertson, Team Leader, Construction and Resources

PH: 5457 1407
Email: Mark.Robertson@tafe.qld.edu.au

Free TAFE for Year 12 Graduates

To support Year 12 graduates into work, the Queensland Government offers free TAFE in high priority areas. If you are about to graduate Year 12 in 2018 or finished school in 2017, you can kick-start your career by requiring the skills employers want without the fees.

Please contact me on pwald9@eq.edu.au or 5471 5321 to discuss matters relating to Vocational Education and Training within the school.

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

Guidance News

Term 3 is an extremely busy one both in schools and in the home. Commitments at work, sport, school and extra-curricular activities are at their peak, and it seems that we are running just to keep up. By the time we come to the end of term, parents and students are tired and it is important to use the break to re-charge, take a break from making school lunches, and let growing teenagers have that very important sleep in. It is also helpful to set some guidelines around computer usage, expectations around chores and discuss general routines over the holiday period, to avoid any conflict in the home and ensure everyone has a bit of a break, even if parents (and older students) still have to go to full or part time work.

Year 12 students have each had a meeting with a Guidance Officer regarding their future plans and should use the break to apply to University through QTAC, directly to TAFE, or start the process of looking for employment. Every Coolum High student who has applied to Sunshine Coast University as their first preference has the opportunity to apply for the Early Offer Guarantee to ensure that they receive their University offer in the week they finish Year 12. This requires students to submit an application to the school before Friday September 21. Students have all been given this information and parents are invited to contact us if you require more details. Applications for all University Scholarships and College accommodation should be made over the holiday period as well. Again, students have been given this information, and parents are welcome to contact us by email or phone for more details. For those headed to University after Year 12 there is a wealth of information in the QTAC book, and on their website.

As many current parents have students coming to Year 7 at Coolum High in 2019, we encourage you to ensure your child attends orientation sessions, and that you contact us if you have concerns about your child making a smooth transition, or if there is anything that you believe we should be aware of as your child moves from the Primary setting to High school.

Term 4 will be upon us soon and this is an exciting term in the life of our senior students as they prepare to move to the adult world. Our Year 11s, as they prepare to take on the leadership roles in the school, Year 10s, as they consolidate their subject choices in the new senior system which promises to be both challenging and rewarding, Year 7s, 8s and 9s as they gain increasing subject choice and responsibility in the school setting.

This week Alison Upton, Guidance Officer at Coolum High School for approximately 14 years has announced that she will retire from our school. Alison has worked tirelessly to support students and families in our community each and every day. She has been a dedicated professional and I have been fortunate and honoured to job share with her. I would like to thank Alison for all that she has given to us, and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life, one filled with family, friends and well earned relaxation. Coolum High will miss you Alison.

Have a pleasant break and if we can assist with any of the challenges that emerge in Term 4, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Liz Mortimer
Guidance Officer
emort13@eq.edu.au

Wind Symphony Academy News

Our Wind Symphony Academy is branching out discovering new styles of music in the form of our first school Jazz Band. Ten of our Brass, Saxophone and Rhythm section students have been rehearsing during Thursday lunch times and enjoying playing Jazz, Swing, Rock, Funk and Blues. Recently, we hosted a visit from the Macgregor State School Stage Band. The students worked in sections during the morning and then came together for a quick rehearsal before performing ‘Lil' Brown Jug’ and ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ for the Year 7 parade in the afternoon.

The Jazz band will have some expert tuition from Dan Quigley, Head of the Jazz Music Institute in Brisbane this week. They will perform on parade in Week 1 and will open the ‘Coolum Hearts’ fundraiser concert held at Coolum State School on Sunday November 4 starting at 1:00pm.

Sport News

Interschool Sport

Last week 84 Year 7 Interschool sport students headed off to Nambour State College to play in the finals. Heading in strong with all 8 teams making the finals, Coolum finished in 2nd place overall narrowly missing out to Sunshine Beach SHS.

It was a tough competition on the day, with some injuries, illness and absences, causing some teams to compete with incomplete teams. Despite this, students fought hard and represented the school outstandingly.

Results from the finals:

• 1st place – Boys Basketball
• 1st place – Boys Touch
• 2st Place – Girls Basketball
• 3rd Place – Girls Touch
• 3rd Place – Boys Soccer
• 4th Place – Girls Soccer
• 4th Place – Boys Volleyball
• 4th Place – Girls Volleyball

Coaches: Mr McCabe, Mr Smyth, Mr Stewart, Mr Barrow & Mr Anderson

Thank you to the coaches Mr Barrow (Volleyball), Mr Smyth (Touch Football), Mr Stewart (Basketball), Mr McCabe (Boys Soccer), Mr Anderson (Girls Soccer), for coaching the teams throughout the season and providing the students with a great opportunity.

Next term Year 9 students have the opportunity to participate in Interschool sport. Trials will run this week.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Track and Field Athletics Trials were held on the 11 and 12 September. Twenty athletes from Coolum State High School were selected to attend the trials, with nineteen students taking up the offer and representing themselves and the school proudly.

Six athletes, (with one to be confirmed so possibly 7!) have qualified to represent the Sunshine Coast at the State Championship.

Taij Roberts – 12 Years
Event: Shot Put

Kobi Higgins – 13 Years
Event: 80m Hurdles

Cian Mallon – 15 Years
Event: High Jump

Calder Shanks – 16 Years
Events: 100m, 200m, 400m

Reef O’Dwyer – 17 Years
Events: Long Jump, High Jump

Logan Bramham – 16 Years
Event: Shot Put

*Waiting on confirmation*

Charlee Lawson – 15 years
Events: 1500m, 3000m

We wish these athletes all the best for the State Championships! A great effort by all athletes involved. Thank you to Ms Goodacre and Mr Stewart for being a part of the North District Management Team at the carnival and supporting our students.

Christina Fiducioso
Sports Coordinator

Rugby Union

Last week our U14 Girls Rugby Union team made the trip to Gympie to play James Nash SHS. In a game of two contrasting styles of rugby. James Nash kept the ball tight around the ruck, picking and driving their way up the field whilst Coolum played wider, hitting gaps and finishing off tries with superior speed. We took out the game 43 to 15.

The team travelled to Noosa RUC to play St Teresa’s this week. In what was a slow start, too many errors in attack meant Coolum went into half time up 17 to 10. In the 2nd half our support play greatly improved and we scored several impressive tries where our whole team backed each other to score the tries.

Full results for the season are as follows:

• Defeated. Siena 20 to 10
• Defeated. St Teresa’s 41 to 19
• Defeated. St John’s 49 to 10
• Defeated. James Nash SHS 43 to 10
• Defeated. St Teresa’s 48 to 24

The Grand Final next week is against St John’s at Noosa Rugby Union Club. Kick-off is at 4:30 pm.

Come along to support our team in what will be a great match!

Eric Smyth
HPE Teacher/Coach

Chess Club

This term we started a Chess Club at Coolum State High School. It has been well attended and the students are very competitive. Chess Club is on every Friday at morning tea in the library – and all ages and ability levels are welcome. We have also had a giant board painted in the courtyard for students to play in the fresh air!

On Monday 10 September we sent our Inaugural Chess Squad to compete in the Interschool’s Chess Tournament at Lake Kawana Community Centre. Over 350 students from across all education sectors on the Sunshine Coast were in attendance. Our two teams entered the Senior Secondary category, which included all students from Year 7 through to 12. Considering that our students were only in Year 7, 8 and 9 we were extremely proud to finish in 10th place (Coolum A team) and 11th place (Coolum B team). Noah Kint, our youngest player, ranked an astonishing 20th overall on the day and received a Merit Award. Since we have only recently formed our teams and begun training, we were all very happy with our efforts on the day and smashed our expectations. All the boys were fantastic ambassadors for Coolum High demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout the entire day.

3D Printer

It has arrived! Coolum SHS has been working towards purchasing a state of the art 3D Printer for part of our development of Design Focussed Curriculum in the Technology field. It will take up residence in our new Design Lab that Year 10 Graphic students have designed themselves and will enable batch printing of student designs (a much faster process than what is achievable through smaller ‘hobby’ printers).

Next year, students within the Technology Faculty will be using the printer in their Year 7 and 8 Technology classes, Year 9, 10 and 11 Design and in Year 12 Graphics. The device is an industry standard 3D Printer capable of printing a whole class’s work overnight and students will be using it to develop physical prototypes of their designs in class, to solve real-life problems as part of their learning. The printer will be used not only for subjects within the Technology Faculty, but also in various subjects across the school.

Glenn Blair
A/HOD Technology

Student News

Congratulations to Miah and Charlee Wilson who competed in the Miss Fashion Week QLD finals modelling contest in July and are now off to Melbourne in September to complete for the National title. The girls have been lucky enough to receive sponsorship from Closet Confidential in Coolum Beach for the Formal and Black Wear attire.

Staff in Focus