29 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Plans. Designs. Intentions. Beliefs. To achieve something we first need to know where we’re heading. A compass. Directions. It can be very hard when we’re young to know what we want to do because after all it’s a big world out there, but unfortunately there comes a time when we need to chart a direction and set sail. The clearer the direction, the more likely we are to land on the destination. Think of Christopher Columbus and Captain Cook who departed not knowing what they might find, but with a sense that something might be out there. A senior schooling journey will always start with a general idea of directions, even when this can be an uncomfortable conversation. In 2018, where we start on our career journey is unlikely to match where we finish. The important thing is to get started, and to have the confidence and self-belief to pursue a path that is ambitious, enjoyable and filled with enthusiasm.

Regardless of what your child’s dreams are ‘post-school’, it is vital they understand the value of having a plan now for when that Coolum High uniform is taken off for the final time. For those entering tertiary education or further training next year, they must have a good understanding of application cut off dates and requirements. Students wanting an apprenticeship, traineeship or entry into a certain field of employment need to know who is hiring, what they’re looking for and whether they fit the bill. For most employers, colleges or universities, having a QCE, an appropriate OP, a couple of glowing references from teachers or all three is very important. As the end of the year approaches, it is not enough to have a vague idea about travel, work or further education: your child must have a post-school destination in mind and a clear map of how they will get there.

For the majority of school leavers, knowing exactly which pathway will take them on the most direct route possible to the exact ‘adult’ career they know they want for the rest of their days, is unrealistic: not quite knowing what you want to do with your life is a rite of passage most young adults go through. In this sense, a gap year is a wonderful way of exploring a number of different options in regards to what that dream job, best university degree or most relevant training might be. However, irrespective of what they want to do in 2019, it is imperative your Year 12 student has a clear understanding that graduating from school closes the door on Coolum High, but opens the door to many more responsibilities and decisions. Having a plan and taking the right door to the best destination ensures life post-school is more ‘adventure’ than adversity and inertia.

Finally, to our Year 12s sitting their QCS Test this term: good luck! I know you have prepared well and that you will do your best.

“Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow” ~ Robert Kioysaki

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

Queensland New QCE (ATAR)

Queensland’s system of senior assessment is set to change, commencing with Year 11 students in 2019. There will be:

• New processes to strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment
• An external assessment introduced in most subjects
• A move away from the Overall Position (OP) rank to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

These changes will improve the validity and reliability of subject assessments and increase confidence in the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). The curriculum development and assessment processes described here are primarily for senior subjects that include an external assessment component. Subjects developed from Subject Area Syllabuses will remain a feature of senior schooling from 2019. These subjects will have an alternative assessment program and are likely to contribute differently towards tertiary entrance.

Key changes

When the changes are in place, students will complete a total of four assessments that count towards their final grade in each subject. Three school-based assessment instruments will be endorsed by QCAA before they are used in schools. Students’ results in these assessments will be externally confirmed by independent teacher assessors trained and accredited by the QCAA. These results will be combined with one external assessment developed and marked by QCAA. The external assessment results will contribute 25% towards a student’s result in most subjects. In mathematics and science subjects, it will generally contribute 50%. The school-based assessments will not be scaled by the results of the external assessment when calculating a student’s subject result. The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) will calculate tertiary entrance ranks by comparing student results through a process of inter-subject scaling.

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

Certificate Fees

Senior School is a very important time in the life of your child and on-time payment of Student Resource Scheme, subject fees and certificate fees is very important. Without full payment of fees, your child’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. The fees for certificate courses for 2019 are due by the end of Term 3, please ensure you make payment.

Student Resource Scheme 2019

I want to thank all families that have contributed to Student Resource Scheme(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. 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.

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.

Year 12 Inaugural Graduation

A very important date on the school calendar for our senior school parents is Tuesday 13 November 2018. On this day it will be the first time in Coolum State High School’s long history that our Year 12 students will graduate with ‘cap and gown’. This will be a premier event held at Calvary Christian Church, Tanawha and one that will be remembered for you and your child for years to come. There is no fee to you, in fact the students will be given a keepsake cap with commemorative 2018 dongle to remind them of their wonderful school life at Coolum State High. We are under way with the planning of the event and look forward to sharing the details in due course. Please let your family members know so they don’t miss out on sharing this memorable experience with you and your child.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

Senior School News

The QCS Test – the final countdown!

Our Year 12 OP students will sit the 2018 Queensland Core Skills Test on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 of September. The Year 11 OP students will sit QCS practice tests on the same days.

Our students have been working very hard in preparation for the test and are ready, if naturally a little nervous. Readiness also involves being physically, psychologically and mentally ready and there are four things that parents can do to help their child feel confident and in the right frame of mind:

• Good sleep and good food in the days prior to the QCS test.
• A well-planned, calm test morning with the students arriving at school by 8.15am.
• Positive talk and calmness to deal with nervousness.
• Best wishes and a few hugs before the test!

For parents of Year 12 OP students: It is most important that the school is informed of any illness or issues that will affect your child’s performance on the morning of each test or prevent them sitting the test. You must call the school office at 8:00am on the morning of the test and specifically state that your child is due to sit the QCS test and is unable to come to school. If your child is ill, immediately make a doctor’s appointment. The school Guidance Officer will be in contact with you to ensure that you request the correct documentation from the doctor. If there are any other reasons why your child cannot sit the test (family bereavement etc) you must contact the school and a Guidance Officer will be in touch.

Our best wishes to all of our OP students!

The new QCE – what won’t change!

As most parents are well aware, the new QCE and the ATAR tertiary entry system begins with the entry of our current Year 10 students into Year 11 in 2019. This will be the cohort to first exit under the new QCE system in November 2020.

The new QCE involves many changes to assessment, university entry and QCE attainment, but there are some things that won’t change:

• Good study habits, regular homework and revision of classwork are as important as ever. Being a good student involves all of the same habits in the new system.
• For students choosing a non-ATAR pathway, completing certificate courses is vital. Keeping up with the expected work rate is important to ensure that the course is finished within the allocated time.
• Balance in a child’s life provides the best environment for success – mixing study with some part-time work, sport and recreation, social and family life in a balanced way.
• Assignments and tests matter. While there are external examinations at the end of Year 12, the other assessment pieces throughout Year 11 and 12 are equally important. Starting assignments early gives students the best opportunity to complete tasks to their best ability and to receive feedback from the teacher.
• Attitude matters! The most successful students have a positive attitude to study and school and are resilient when faced with setbacks or disappointment.

Sean Sweeney
Head of Senior Schooling

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

National Skills Week at Coolum High

This week from the 27 August – 2 September is National Skills Week. National Skills Week is the focal point for the promotion of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training sector. (VET) Each year the week continues to celebrate and inform students and the wider public of the diversity and career pathways available through VET. The week communicates the emerging trends and new growth drivers connecting skills training with job outcomes.

This year, Coolum State High school will be celebrating the week by connecting with our Industry Reference Group partners to provide a series of presentations and workshops during the week in different classes to promote real skills for real careers.

Thank you to our industry partners including Diggerman, Spirt House, Sunshine Coast Drone Club, University of the Sunshine Coast, Bluedog Training, TAFE Queensland, Westwood Environmental and MEGT for providing these opportunities.

Buderim Private Hospital Experience Morning

Recently, selected students participated in the annual Buderim Private Hospital Experience morning.

This opportunity enabled students to learn more about careers within the Health sector, particularly Clinical, Allied Health and Mental Health. Students participated in a range of clinical mock procedures, such as a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) - whereby they showed students how a stint was placed into a patient’s artery to ensure blood flow continued. They also visited the maternity ward and learnt about birth and also had the opportunity to ask a panel of Allied Health, Medical, Administration and Food Services staff members a variety of questions.

All had a great time as they took the opportunity to further investigate post school options for further education, training or employment.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeship Opportunities (SATs)

School-Based Apprentice in Focus

Congratulations to Zane Steenberg who has recently secured a school based apprenticeship Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitter and Turner) with one of our Industry Reference Group partners.

Zane joins the team at Sunshine Coast Makerspace one day per week while he finishes his final years of schooling. So far, Zane has fabricated some custom table legs, and designed and cut his first small project on the CNC Laser. During his apprenticeship he will learn aspects of manual and CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting and fabrication.

Well done Zane on gaining this opportunity! We look forward to hearing more about your apprenticeship over time.

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

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

Indigenous Identified (Year 10 students only)

Opportunities available in the Banking industry for Indigenous Identified students at banks in Coolum, Maroochydore, Noosa and Nambour. Applications must be submitted by 31 August.

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 - 2 Positions, Coolum Beach
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

Mining Apprenticeships – Multiple Trades

Thiess (World's largest mining services provider) are currently taking applications for their 2019 Four Year Apprenticeship Program which will commence in February 2019. You must not be already completing an apprenticeship. Applications close: 31 August 2018

Eligibility requirements:

Have completed year 12 as of 1/1/2019 with passes in English & Mathematics
Have current driver's licence (provisional accepted)
Be able to relocate to the mine site area or be a self-funded FIFO
Be willing to relocate to another Thiess site if required (maybe interstate).
Queensland Locations: Blackwater (2 mines), Dysart, Moura, Moranbah, Collinsville
Qld Positions / Disciplines: Heavy Equipment Diesel Fitter, Automotive Electrician, High Voltage Electrician, Fabricator (Boilermaker/Welder)

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)

Please click here for further information on Defence Careers:

University Sunshine Coast News

Coolum State High School celebrates National Science Week with USC and Dr Karl

USC was thrilled to have Coolum State High School senior students kick off National Science Week with USC for a breakfast panel discussion with the famous Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM.

Dr Karl, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by USC in 2016, was joined on stage by influential female professionals for a discussion about 'Women in Science: Game Changers and Change Makers'.

Our panellists included:

• Dr Erica Mealy – USC lecturer in ICT with more than 14 years’ experience as a software engineer
• Georgia Keeshan – USC engineering graduate and Coastal Engineer with the Sunshine Coast Council
• Genevieve Kerr – USC honours research student researching how super-tough synthetic materials could be made based on the structure and form of spider’s silk.

Dr Karl and the panellists shared their experiences and expert advice with close to 200 students who attended, including those from Coolum State High School, before Dr Karl joined students for photos.

As part of his day at USC Sunshine Coast, Dr Karl also delivered a guest lecture to USC students, along with a free public lecture that almost 2,000 people attended. USC has put together a special video documenting Dr Karl’s day at USC, which features students from Coolum State High School.

For students looking at a career in STEM, USC provides a range of degrees in science and engineering, health and IT and in 2017 was ranked in the top three universities in Australia in the 2017 Employer Satisfaction Survey.

Dates for your Diary