7 March 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

It was an honour to have The Honourable Grace Grace, Minister for Education, visit our school yesterday.

Minister Grace officially opened the $5.1 million Smart Futures Centre, which is part of an overall expenditure of $12 million the government is investing at the school. This includes another $6.3 million learning centre, to become a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) supercentre, which will be completed mid-2020, and a $400,000 refurbishment of the canteen.

Minister Grace said, ‘It's wonderful to see students and teachers already using the Centre, which includes eight classrooms with smartboard technology, modern fittings and an undercover area with capacity for eight learning areas.’

The school community was very excited to host the Minister on this special occasion. Minister Grace is extremely passionate about our students’ outcomes, encouraging them to aspire to achieve their post-school pathways.

We look forward to meeting Minister Grace again to open our second new state of the art building in 2020.

It is truly incredible to watch students far exceed the expectations placed upon them, especially when they take up and champion a cause which is far greater than the small world they immediately inhabit. There can at times be a tendency for adults to bemoan the selfishness and ignorance of adolescents as they drop their dirty clothes through the house, incapable of articulating ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ beyond unintelligible grunts. But Coolum High kids seem to be well versed in thinking of others within our community and across the globe, in actioning care for those less fortunate or for environmental plights effecting our beautiful coastline. As part of our motto, having and showing Care for others, respecting and valuing human connection is a major influence on everything we do at Coolum, and this is having a very clear knock on effect on our students and our community.

Examples of Coolum High kids displaying a high level of care for others can be seen on a daily basis throughout our classrooms, around town and across the world. We have Nadia, one of our student eco-warriors, who has started a petition, hoping to spread awareness of plastic pollution and single use plastics. Then there’s Jye Parkinson in Year 11 who has been involved with raising awareness of environmental issues facing Coolum beaches and Isabella Barry in Year 8, who was recently awarded the Coolum Lions Young Citizen of the Year Award for 2019 thanks to her efforts in securing funds for underprivileged children in India and her ongoing campaign against single use plastics (which started in the school canteen). Each of these students has taken deliberate steps to action their goals and ambitions which are all focussed on care: care for others, the environment and the world of tomorrow.

As a community, the level of care being offered from some of our youngest members through to our longest serving is immense and serves as a reminder of the strong presence Coolum SHS has in the area. In our classrooms, we have a professional team of staff who care for their students in a passionate and diligent manner. Our mentor program, aimed at pairing up staff with students in an advisory system, has received great feedback and is serving to give more support and guidance to the fulfilment of student dreams and ambitions. The academy programs are also facilitating excellence for students and again, are signposts for the amazing potential our students possess: giving every Coolum student the opportunity to achieve excellence within their chosen field is absolutely possible!

Recently, we had one of our past students, Zak Duggan, who is currently in training with the Royal Air Force to become a pilot, speak to our seniors on the importance of following their goals and ambitions. To have a young adult, one who has worn our uniform and walked the pathways between our classrooms, take the time to show just how big Coolum kids can dream was such a wonderful opportunity for everyone: staff, students and the schooling community. It can be easy to get bogged down in day to day timetables and schedules, but it is so important for our students to make the connection that every lesson in every day is progressing toward their future. To have Zak show such kindness and maturity in speaking to our current senior cohorts is such a magnificent example of the kinds of people we are producing and the places they can go.

On her change.org petition page, Nadia says that one of her favourite quotes is, “The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.” I’m so proud of students like Nadia, Jye, Isabella and Zak, they have excelled and they have given back to their community in significant ways. All of these students had a strong plan, a vision of how they wanted their future to look, and this has made a world of difference. Start having the conversation with your child today: what do they do to care for their community? How are they connecting with others in a positive way and how will they realise those their dreams and ambitions? Let’s help them put it into action!

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7

I am wishing to start a conversation regarding the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) that will occur in Term 2. This is an annual assessment for students in Years 7 and 9 and is a regular part of the school calendar. NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every student to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress. At the classroom level it is one of a number of important tools used by teachers to measure student progress so that support can be planned to assist each individual student needs.

The program has drawn some criticism from a number of different quarters since its inception 2008. You’ve probably heard a number of different viewpoints expressed in the media and the local community over the years. An argument commonly put forward is that the NAPLAN tests put excessive pressure on students to perform in test situations. If so, then perhaps the best approach for parents and teachers is to help them handle the pressure rather than avoid it. The most resilient young people are those who rise to meet rather than retreat from the challenges presented to them.

Perhaps it’s best to view the NAPLAN tests as good learning experiences rather than dreaded pressure tests. It also must be noted that this test is the only other time where by our students will have the opportunity to gain confidence to partake in a nationally leveled assessments prior to their external exams in the new senior schooling.

All students in Years 7 and 9 are expected to participate in NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN tests give us information on how our students are progressing against national standards. This information allows for additional intervention if necessary to ensure our students progresses at a rate where they can fully participate in all aspects of the curriculum and excel in the senior school years. NAPLAN does not replace, but rather complements, assessments run by our teachers throughout the year.

Adjustments can be provided for students with disability to enable them to access the tests on an equivalent basis as students without disability. Some students with significant intellectual disability and/or those with significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests may be exempted from sitting the tests.

Parents or carers may withdraw their child from the tests to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing. It is recommended that withdrawal be considered in consultation with our school. Formal notification must be received by our school prior to testing. Please contact our school should you wish to withdraw your child for these reasons.

It must be noted that students take their cues from their parents about how to handle many situations. Optimistic parents beget optimistic students, just as anxious parents can beget anxious students. As a parent it can greatly assist your child if you take an optimistic view to the NAPLAN tests. It is better to see them as learning opportunities for our students as well as opportunities for them to overcome any anxieties or nerves that these tests may bring on. It’s also worth remembering that many students don’t stress over these tests. The vast majority take them in their stride, wondering what all the fuss is about.

Whether your child stresses or takes it in his stride here are some tips to help prepare for the NAPLAN tests:

1. Take your cues from your child:

If your child doesn’t worry about them then neither should you. Be careful not to create a problem that doesn’t exist by incessantly talking about, or worse, worrying about the test.

2. Focus on doing their best and trying hard:

Choose your words carefully when you speak with your child. As with all their learning activities place your focus squarely on effort rather than results. The only pressure on the students should be to try hard rather than to do well. This will then ensure that we as educators have the realistic results that can help us plan for their senior schooling success.

3. Listen to any concerns they have:

If your child confesses to some nerves then validate his feelings, rather than shut them down with a ‘get over it’ response. “Yes, sometimes tests can be a little scary, but they get easier every time you take them.” Use this as an opportunity to develop your child, which starts with recognising how your child feels.

4. Give them some relaxation ideas:

Anxious or nervous students will benefit from some simple relaxation strategies. Taking some deep breaths, changing their thinking and exercising the morning of the test are some simple ways to help students get some feeling of control.

5. Help them retain their perspective:

One way to help students who become excessively anxious about an event is to ask what’s the worst thing that could happen? Okay, they may not do as well as they would like but the sun will still rise tomorrow. Keeping perspective is a life skill that we all need to practice.

Encouraging your child to try their best when they are apprehensive or nervous will give them their best result and support us as educators to assist your child to a successful destination after Coolum State High School.

Anthony Swan
Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 8 & 9

Our Vision: That students have the confidence, desire and belief to succeed through strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.

Year 8 and 9 Attendance

As the Deputy Principal who works with Years 8 and 9 students, I am very interested in their attendance at school. Having excellent attendance means students are in a regular routine and never have the added stress and anxiety of catching up on missed work due to absence.

Year 8 and 9 students have had a great start to the year with their learning and behaviour and I am looking forward to seeing their report card results at the end of Term 1.

What I can update you with is their attendance so far this year. Year 8 attendance has been 92.6% and Year 9 has been 90.3%. This is a solid start – but we have so much room for improvement in this area. It is up to parents and schools to work together to get young people to school every single day.

What is fantastic is that we have an amazing 94 Year 8 students, and 71 Year 9 students, on 100% attendance so far this year! This has been very encouraging and I am looking forward to seeing the overall attendance improve as the term progresses.

Greater attendance every day at school gives students more opportunities to be successful in their learning, and their future destinations.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal –Senior Secondary Year 10

Last Monday students at Coolum High participated in a very successful photo day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to purchase professional photos of their children and an essential process for the school to issue identification cards.

Next Monday 11 March is the catch-up day for any student who missed out on the initial day. It is essential that all students have a photograph taken. The school cannot issue a Student identification card without a photo.

Please encourage your child to listen to the information on student notices and on whole school parade next Monday for further information about when their photo time is.

As we near the business end of the term it is important to ensure that students are giving their best effort to all formative and summative pieces of assessment. Formative work allows teachers to give students feedback about their progress in order to improve their performance in summative tasks. Ensuring students have all of their assessment requirements planned out and using time wisely to complete assessment will allow students to achieve to the best of their ability. Consist work ethic is the key for improvement. Leaving work to the last minute is a recipe for poor performance and will not set students up for success.

I am looking forward to tracking the student’s academic data on their term 1 report and encourage every student to take steps now to achieve their best.

Excellence in everything we do

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

On Monday last week our Senior Executive, Junior Captains, Indigenous Ambassadors and Senior Students were inducted at our 2019 Investiture Ceremony. It was fantastic to see such a strong representation from the Coolum community, parents, staff and most importantly the students, witness and be a part of this important public recognition of their leadership. Special mention goes to our Wind Symphony and Jackson Smith for their breathtaking performances. It was a credit to our Year 12 cohort for the way they wore their formal uniform proudly and conducted themselves on stage when receiving their badges. This event has again showcased the leadership shown by our senior students and the respect they have for Coolum SHS and the wider community. Well done Year 12.

It is now the mid-point for our Year 11 students studying in the new QCE system and we have seen some mixed results as students adjust to the demands of the new senior curriculum. It is critical that students understand the complexity of senior schooling and adjust their study and work habitats accordingly. The senior schooling team are concerned that the Year 11 cohort as a whole are not working to their potential and this has been evident from some early formative assessment results. As a result we recommend students organise themselves and their study spaces to make it easier to finish their tasks on time and not feel overwhelmed.

Organise yourself

• Create a study space that is free of distractions and has everything within reach.
• Keep a calendar on your wall and list the dates of your assessments.
• Get into a routine and set aside blocks of study time each day (2 to 3 hrs).
• Build 'free' time into each day for something you enjoy.
• Take regular breaks and move around to keep your mind and body active.
• Limit distractions such as social media.
• Allocate time each week to catch up with friends and family.

Organise your work

• Forward planning — understand the components of each task and how long they might take.
• Time management — make a plan and allow for unexpected events such as technology issues (they will always happen!) or changes in personal circumstances.
• Manage multiple deadlines — divide each assessment task into smaller 30-minute tasks (essay plan, essay introduction, essay body, etc.) and slot these into your calendar.

This advice is timely as students plan for the end of the Term 1 and enter exam blocks or finishing assessment. Information regarding block exams will come out to parents and students in the coming weeks. All parents and students received copies of year level assessment calendar late last week. This is vital information for students to allow them to plan for a demanding last 5 weeks of assessment.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

When I moved to Coolum Beach several years ago, I knew that I was fortunate to be living and working in such a beautiful coastal environment. I am even more fortunate to be working with your students at Coolum High. I am also grateful to have met and talked to so many committed parents who want to see Coolum High be the best it can be. I thank all the community for putting the students of Coolum High first and for supporting the work the school is doing to ensure your child gets the best in teaching and learning.

I am so passionate about the students at Coolum High. I feel so privileged to be working at such a wonderful school that is committed to high standards, excellence and a genuine desire for every child to succeed. Many of my newsletter articles have been about fees and the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) and this is because I am so committed to making sure your student receives the necessary resources they need for every lesson.

There is a saying that “it takes a village to raise a child” and I couldn’t agree more with this. Teachers, parents, community can all help our children succeed through the use of positive language about our school in the community; supporting the school with on-time payment of fees; and encouraging our students to attend every day; to wear their uniform with pride; and to work hard towards their academic, cultural and sporting goals.

I will work hard to advocate for Coolum High when it comes to funding, making sure that we receive our ‘piece of the pie’ because I know what it means to the community and the students of Coolum High. I promise to be relentless in my focus of providing the best resources for the students of Coolum High. I encourage you to discuss your financial situation with me if you are facing difficulties. We will do our part to support you through the years at Coolum High so you can focus on supporting your child with their learning.

QParents information

QParents is an Education Queensland Portal that allows parents to access their student’s financial invoices/payments, reports, absences/attendance and timetable all in one place. You are also able to make payments directly from this portal for outstanding invoices and is Education Queensland’s preferred method of payment. Please refer to the flyer below for more information.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

P&C News

Annual General Meeting Notice

The Coolum State High School P&C Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 18 March at 6pm in the Brahminy Kite Room at Coolum State High School (new 2 storey building).

Attached is the Membership Form which can be returned to The Secretary, Coolum State High School P&C Association by email to pandcexecutive@coolumshs.eq.edu.au prior to the AGM.

Nominations for Executive Officer bearer positions are now open. Attached is the Nomination Form which can be returned to The Secretary, Coolum State High School P&C Association by email to pandcexecutive@coolumshs.eq.edu.au prior to the AGM.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Monica Kutt
Vice President

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

At Coolum High, we are committed to every student transitioning into further education, training or employment. Our vocational programs play a huge role in making this achievable and offer a range of pathways that see every student succeeding.

Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways - Year 10 and 11

This year, all students in Year 10 and 11 are undertaking a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. This course is designed to provide opportunities for the development of key employability skills. Students are currently engaged in professional resume and cover letter writing to prepare for a Mock Interview with an external industry representative in early Term 2.

It is vital that students have access to a BYOD device for this course as a virtual classroom learning environment is used. Please assist your student by encouraging them to have their device charged and ready for use every Wednesday. If your student does not have a device, please contact me to discuss alternative options.

Year 10 Work Experience Placement Update

Year 10 students will be participating in a compulsory work experience placement in Term 2 from Monday 13 – Friday 17th May. Students are required to approach employers to secure their own placement. It is vital that completed Work Experience Agreements are returned to the school as soon as possible for processing.

You can download a copy of the Year 10 Work Experience Form here:

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeship (SATs) Vacancies

Under a SAT arrangement, a senior school student is released from school time to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship in their chosen field. For further information, please speak to a staff member at the VET office in DBA.

Full Time Apprenticeship Vacancies

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

By completing a Vocational Pathways Expression of Interest (EOI) form (can you please insert the link) students will be registered to receive further information and support.

TAFE at School Programs in 2019

In Term 2, there will be an opportunity for some Year 10 students to participate in a new-format “Trade Taster” program. Further details about this including an Expression of Interest process will be released shortly.

Defence Force Work Experience Program

Defence is committed to providing a national work experience program designed to:

• demonstrate the wide variety of interesting careers available within Defence;
• ease the transition of students into the workplace; and
• contribute to the development of the skills of young people.

Please Note: The Defence Work Experience Program offers unpaid work experience for students residing in Australia.

See the exciting work experience placements that are on offer.

Full details can be found online via the link below.

TAFE at School Programs in 2019

Classes for Semester 1 TAFE at School qualifications during have now commenced. If you are involved with any of these courses, please ensure that you are aware of when students are expected to be attending TAFE. Student timetables will be adjusted to reflect attendance at an off-campus school activity.

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)

Mathematics News

Mathematical Mastery – What Is It?

A common trend appears when looking at Australia’s highest performing schools of mathematics. These schools have a ‘mastery mindset’ evident within student, teacher and community beliefs. Mastery is the idea that, similar to when building a house, you start by building strong foundations before moving on. It would seem ridiculous to construct a roof before the supporting walls, yet this is a situation students can often find themselves in (commonly through absence or not fully mastering a prior concept).

In November last year, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, presented a key note address that reflected on the declining numbers of students taking on STEM careers. He attributed the decline to an increased focus on ‘soft skills’ adopted by students and educational facilities.

Within our Junior School, Mathematics teachers have made the commitment to nurture the mastery mindset within our students and community. We know that students who demonstrate the foundations will prosper. Some students may be reporting to parents that teachers are adopting a ‘no fail policy’. Students who haven’t demonstrated mastery are being provided with extra support and opportunities to demonstrate foundation skills. This is part of our commitment to student learning and I thank all staff who are going above and beyond (often giving up lunches, afternoons and evenings) in order to make it happen.

Within Dr Finkel’s speech, he references mathematics specifically as a “textbook example of why you need to learn things in sequence through hard work”. There are no shortcuts to the mastery of any discipline. As Dr Finkel says, “Learn the principle. Do the practice. Apply the skills. Repeat.”

We know long-term success for students requires a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy, and there are no ways of side-stepping the fundamentals. Hard work, repeated practise and the mastery mindset of ‘doing it until you get it’ is the future for students here at Coolum High and our early results are showing that we are off to a positive start.

I believe Dr Finkel summarises the importance of the mastery mindset in the best way possible – ‘mastering a discipline is mastering your destiny’.

Dean Hose
Head of Department Mathematics

Creative Arts News

Production 2019

Auditions for our 2019 production have wrapped up this week, with over 80 students showcasing their talents and strengths over two evenings. Thank you to all the students who auditioned and to all the parents/guardians for their support.

We will be meeting with all of the students involved early next week to discuss our production narrative and plot as well as sharing our rehearsal schedule which commences on Thursday the 28 of February in PA from 3-5pm.

We can’t wait to share the event details with you all in the coming weeks and we will be advertising and promoting the event through our website, social media platform and school newsletter. The production run is from the Thursday 23 through to the Saturday 25 of May, with more details to be announced before the April holidays.

Instrumental Music News

Instrumental music lessons have commenced for 2019. Thank you to Ms Guest for getting our Wind Symphony off to a flying start with our Year 12 investiture performance as well as an intensive music camp at school over the weekend. It was a huge success with a guest artist visit by renowned conductor David Law and a short concert for parents and guardians on Sunday afternoon. It was amazing to see such a great turn out.

Thank you also to our new Instrumental Teaching team members, Clare Deady (brass specialist) and Lauren Harris (percussion specialist) for their work supporting Ms Guest over the last few weeks. It’s great to see them joining in and supporting our students in Wind Symphony rehearsals each Monday afternoon.

Our strings program is also up and running for 2019, Ms Pearson has published the timetable for lessons and ensemble running on a Wednesday morning from 7:45am in PA6. It’s been great to see such a good turn out and to see the students playing in ensemble together. Ms Pearson and I are very excited to be launching a new orchestra at our school later this year and we will share some more information with parents and guardians in the coming term.

Shortly we will be welcoming acclaimed Jazz drummer John Morrison (brother of trumpeter James Morrison) to our school for a workshop with our Jazz Ensemble on the Sunday 17 of March. We’re so excited to host John at our school and we can’t wait to hear what he has to share with our students. Ms Guest and I will be sharing information with families shortly about the event.

Very soon our Instrumental Music uniforms will be available to purchase at School Locker and we will be launching our strategic plan for our tour and our Coolum Music Supporters Group at a concert here at school on the Monday 1 of April. More details will be shared with parents and guardians shortly.

Coolum SHS Website

Later in this term our school website will be updated with information regarding our Extra-Curricular Music programs for parents and members of our school community. We will be uploading brochures and documentation about auditions, ensembles, rehearsal schedules as well as concerts via our events calendar.

I will publish its launch via the school newsletter and will be encouraging parents and prospective parents to get online and share feedback with me about the information they’d like to see online for the future.

Vocal Program at Coolum SHS

Last Friday we commenced our vocal lesson program at Coolum. We are fortunate to have Mrs Hardy, vocal specialist join our team for 2019 who is working with 20 keen students developing their vocal technique and working on part singing.

There are vacancies remaining for enrolments if students are interested in joining the program. We will also be launching a vocal ensemble very soon as we gear up for our first Fanfare performance late in May.

Please contact me at rohan.hardy@eq.edu.au if you’d like any more information about the Vocal Program at Coolum SHS.

Brilliant Musicians Program

We commenced our Brilliant Musicians, music excellence program before school on Monday and Wednesday in Week 3. We have 27 students in Years 7 and 8 enrolled this year following an audition process in 2018. We had a great turn out for our parent information afternoon on Monday the 11 of February. It was exciting to share our plans for the year and to receive feedback from parents about development of our program.

The students are developing their songwriting skills in our weekly sessions together and are learning to produce independently, collaborate as songwriters and refine their rehearsal techniques in bands and are gearing up for a completed demo of their work at the end of Week 8. Following that we are heading down to Brisbane in Week 10 for a day at the JMC Academy in SouthBank for an exclusive masterclass and songwriting workshop with their lecturing team as well as access to their world class studio spaces and Bachelor of Music programs. We can’t wait!

Drama

Thank you to Ms Edgar and Ms Puncheon for their work organising the Shock Therapy production of The Stones in our PA theatre last week for the Year 10-12 Drama students. It was a lively and engaging performance in the Verbatim theatre style that wonderfully complimented their assessment program and exposed the students to an exceptionally professional dramatic performance in our Drama studios. It was amazing to watch such an authentic performance and question and answer session at our school and the students gained so much from participating.

Thank you also to Ms Venning for organising our Year 9 Drama excursion to Peregian State School on Wednesday 13 of March. The students will be taking their clowning performance to the primary school to share with the students in Year 6. It is so valuable for our students to realise the authenticity of their work in this context and especially valuable as they present their assessment. Students in Year 9 Drama have been issued with an excursion letter with the details for travel for the performance.

Visual Art Club

A huge thank you to Ms Kryger, Ms Kelly and Ms Bielby for commencing our Visual Art club sessions at lunchtimes in A Block. The students involved in Art Club are working toward some major 2D and 3D projects and are fortunate to be mentored in their pursuit of excellence in Visual Art by our amazing staff team. The lunchtime sessions are on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays at 2nd lunch in A1.

Rohan Hardy
Head of Creative Arts

Year 12 News

Lion’s Youth of the Year

On Wednesday 27 February, Coolum State High School had the privilege of watching the Year 12 leaders participate in the Lion’s Youth of the Year. It was so excellent to see our students speak with conviction and passion about current affairs and a topic of their choice.

There were essentially three parts to the competition. The first was an interview with the panel judges, the second was a response to two unseen questions, and the third was a 5 minute public speech on an issue of their choice. The unseen questions were about refugees and military drones – not easy subjects by anyone’s estimation, but the students conducted themselves with insight and astute compassion.

It was an arduous process and yet every student involved gave their absolute best. Clare Hale spoke about the history and artistic merit of clothes, Jacob Cassidy– the uniting influence of sport, Darcie King – migrating to Australia from Scotland, Kalin Long – the beauty of martial arts, Rhiannah Baker – the wonder of science, Calder Shanks – the life-changing force of effort, and Sarina – the power of passion.

It was Ben Dundon, however, who won the public speaking section of the competition with his speech on Artificial Intelligence (no palm cards – all by memory) and Sarina Peterson and Ben were the combined winners from Coolum High for the Lion’s Youth of the Year. They will go further in the competition starting on Saturday down in Mudjimba.

Colette Webber did such an amazing job coaching the students through the process. The students were very well-versed in all the requirements of the competition thanks to her dedication.

One of the judges summed it up best when he said to the audience at the conclusion of the evening, ‘if this is the future of our nation, we are in great hands’. I couldn’t agree more.

On Saturday, 2nd March, Sarina Petersen and Ben Dundon delivered their speeches at the Zone Finals of the Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition, held at North Shore Community Centre, Pacific Paradise. Other speakers came from Noosa District SHS, Burnside SHS, Sunshine Beach SHS, Good Shepherd Lutheran College and St Patrick’s College, Gympie.

In front of more judges and a larger crowd, Ben spoke about artificial intelligence without palm cards. He was animated and engaged the audience with his humour and intellect. It was a great speech! Sarina spoke about the importance of following your passion, citing debating and public speaking as the passion driving her towards a career in law. Both students took their speeches to a whole new level on the day, and despite some tough competition, Sarina took out two of the three wins on offer.

Sarina won Best Public Speaker of the day and Best Overall Winner based on criteria of leadership, sporting, cultural and community interest, personality, general knowledge and public speaking combined.

Sarina will now progress through to the Regional Finals to be held on the 9th March at the Lions Community Centre, Chevallum.

School Captains Parliament House Visit

The school captains had an amazing day in Queensland Parliament last Thursday as a guest of Dan Purdie – Member for Nindery. Highlights included touring Parliament House, meeting the shadow Attorney-General, eating a 3-course lunch, and watching an extremely exciting and rambunctious question time.

The students looked fantastic in their new blazers and staff from Parliament House commented on how exceptional our students looked. Coolum State High School is very grateful to Dan Purdie for the opportunity and thank him wholeheartedly for his continued support of our school.

Investiture of Leaders 2019

The start of the school week was an auspicious one for school Leaders at Coolum State High School. The school community had the privilege of inducting the school captains and student leaders into the service of the school and our wider community. The event was punctuated with some stirring performances from the highly acclaimed Wind Symphony, conducted by the inexhaustible Mrs Sharelle Guest, and an incredible performance by Jackson Smith performing a Powderfinger song. Principal Troy Ascott shared his thoughts on leadership referring to the incredible examples of Mandela, Gandi, and Muhummad Ali to inspire the students. The event concluded with a delicious morning tea created by the very talented Ms Olivia Murray.

Coolum High School are extremely excited about the potential the Seniors of 2019 have this year and we look forward to supporting them through the Year 12 journey.

Tutorials – Homework Club

Tutorials – Term 1

Sports News

North District Swimming Carnival

Recently, over 30 of our students competed at the North District Swimming Carnival. All swimmers competed well and represented our school brilliantly. Special congratulations goes to the below 4 swimmers who placed and who took out Age Group honours.

Hailee O’Sullivan – 13 Years Girls – Age Champion
Jakob O’Sullivan – 14 Years Boys – 2nd
Isaac Waddell – 15 Years Boys – 2nd
Fyn Sharpley – 16 Years Girls – Age Champion

These 4 swimmers as well as Drew Tracy and Austin qualified as a member of the North District team and will compete at Sunshine Coast trials today.

Overall, we finished 4th out of the 11 schools, narrowly missing on 3rd place to St Teresa’s.

Sporting Success

Congratulations to Jack Elsley and Amaya Foxover who recently made Sunsine Coast School Sport rep teams. Jack qualified in the U19 Years Boys Golf team whilst Amaya made the U19 Girls Softball team. All the best at the State Carnival!

Well done to the following students who have made North District teams and are competing for places in the Sunshine Coast team either this week or last week.

U19 Girls Netball – Logan Bramham
U15 Girls AFL – Kianni Effting, Summer Stevenson
U15 Boys AFL – Zac Diekman, Connery McRae, Zander McRae, Bailey Finlay, Jaxon Membrey and Jalan
U19 Boys Hockey – Marlin Hirst
U15 Girls Touch – Ellie Christie, Makaeli Adler
U18 Boys Touch – Rubin Smyth
U18 Boys Basketball – Cian Mallon, Andrew Moroney
U15 Boys Soccer – Kai Hale, Zac Savage, Oskar Charles
U15 Girls Soccer – Chloe Baker, CJ Taylor, Louise Higgins
U19 Boys Soccer – Ezekiel Hawkins, Conor Savage
U19 Girls Soccer – Jade Barraclough, Brea Polkinghorne
U18 Boys Rugby League – Brendan Padroth, Andrew Moroney
U12 Boys Basketball – Locky Hotchin
U12 Boys AFL – Jordan McDonough

Chaplain News

I wonder what is the last thing you’re teenager does before going to bed? For many it probably involves being on a device. During the first week of school I was staggered with the amount of student on devices during the break. I couldn’t help but wonder what their use of devices would be like at home and before bed.

Using devices before bed is very detrimental to a teenagers wellbeing. The blue light that is emitted from electronical devices throws the biological clock out of rhythm and whack as it suppresses the hormone melatonin, and prohibits its release from the brain. Using social media before bed causes the brain to stay awake waiting for the next alert. This prevents the deep sleep that is needed for the growing and developing teenage body. Studies show that teenagers who access social media and use devices before bed become sleep deprived and have difficult relationships with parents, higher records of absenteeism from school, lower levels of learning and increased poor behavior. They also become prone to depression, mood swings, insomnia and migraines.

What can you do about it? It is recommended that turning electronic devices off a minimum of 1 hour before sleep. Have a place (charging station) outside of their room where phones are left before bed. Limit time they spend on their devices during the day. As hard as it may be the level of success for your student may depend on the healthy boundaries you set.

Bus Pass Information 2019

Q: What is a Buslink Bus Pass?

A: The Queensland Government’s School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance to enable eligible school students to attend education facilities. The Buslink Bus pass is distributed if you are eligible for such assistance

Q: Will I need to apply for a new bus pass for 2019?

A: If the below circumstances have changed for you and/or your student then you will need to apply for a new Buslink Bus Pass:

• your child is moving from primary school to secondary school
• you have changed address
• you have changed travel days
• you have enrolled them at a different school

Q: What happens if I currently have a Buslink Bus Pass and my circumstances haven’t changed?

A: Buslink will automatically print off a 2019 Buslink Bus pass for you and you will need to collect it from either your AM Buslink Bus Driver or at published pick up points at your school.

Q: How do I apply for a Buslink school travel pass?

A: Your child may be eligible for free bus travel. To download an application form head to your bus service Sunshine Coast. You can email your completed application to info.sunshinecoast@buslink.com.au or post to 11 Page St, Kunda Park Qld 4556.

If you don’t have access to a printer you’re welcome to ask one of our friendly Buslink drivers or come in to our office for an application.

Q: If my student is ineligible for a full Buslink Bus Pass travel, and only eligible for a Part Buslink Bus Pass, how do I pay the top up fare?

Students with a Buslink part pass (part payment) can purchase single, daily or weekly tickets from the bus driver using cash. If your student is travelling Monday to Friday in both morning and afternoons, it is cheaper to purchase a weekly ticket as you’ll receive a day free travel. Please do not pay your top up with a Go Card or you will be paying the full fare.

Q: If I’m not eligible for a Buslink Bus Pass, can I still travel on a Buslink Bus and how do I pay a fare?

If a student doesn’t qualify for a Buslink pass they will be required to pay the full cash fare or purchase a Go Card to save up to 30% off the full fare.

Q: If I or my child need a reminder of the Code of Conduct where do we find this information?

Buslink Buses are governed by the Code of Conduct. Similar to schools we have an expectation of behaviour that is acceptable on each bus and if that behaviour is breached then students will receive consequences for their behaviour. To view the code please go to: Code of conduct

General News

2019 Next Step survey-2018 Year 12 students

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2018. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2019.

Further information on Next Step is available online at the link below or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

Clean Up Day

On Saturday 16 March, local environmental groups are joining forces to host the "Save Yaroomba's Endangered Waves" event at Yaroomba Beach to raise awareness of the threats to our surfing and coastal environment. To coincide with this and Clean Up Australia Day which is taking place the same weekend, I'm hosting a beach clean up at Yaroomba on the day. Come and enjoy the fun of morning yoga, beach volleyball, frisbee, surfing teams challenge and a paddle out to name just a few of the activities organised. If you're keen to join the beach clean up while you're there, just meet in Birrahl Park at the end of Yerranya Row at 7.30am. Hope to see you down there - should be fun!

Dates for your Diary