15 May 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

It is so pleasing to see our students settling into their studies as we head into Term 2. Year 10 students have thrown themselves into Work Experience, while Year 7s and 9s are giving their very best on their NAPLAN tests. Added to this, Year 12s are making great headway on their final year of school, while Year 11s are surging forward in Queensland’s new approach to senior schooling. Our Year 8s are also working very well towards achieving their own goals and their own success. It was wonderful to see so many familiar and friendly faces at Parent-Teacher interviews and to feel the buzz as parents and teachers entered into a valuable partnership that helps shape the future of our students. So far, we have had a great start to Term 2.

Every learning experience offered to our students at Coolum SHS is aimed at honing their strengths and developing their skills and abilities. Only by exposing them to a variety of ideas and experiences can we truly open their eyes up to the possibilities waiting for them in the future, a future that is so important not only to them, but to our entire community. Coolum is an amazing place filled with outstanding people and positioning its youth in the best possible place educationally is our business. As such, we have been unrelenting in our efforts to develop Coolum SHS into the great school it deserves to be, one its students can feel real pride in attending and one our entire community can be proud of.

In recent times, our staff have been reflecting on our mascot, the majestic Brahminy Kite, as we ask ourselves the question “why does the kite soar?” The question is about our future and what we want to achieve as a school, what big, audacious goal we want to set our sights on and strive with all our might to achieve. While we don’t have the answer to this question yet, it will no doubt involve something about seeing all our students succeed in spectacular ways. As we move forward, our aim is to guide all our students to become successful, caring and connected young people in their own right.

Our reputation as a serious academic school continues to go from strength-to-strength. Report card data from last term was amongst the best in the school’s history. So many students set personal bests as they strive to make the most of their education. We encourage all our students to use this as a springboard to greater heights and, most of all, to believe in themselves that they can do anything.

There is so much currently going on in the school. Congratulations must go to the students who gave up their May Day weekend to rehearse for our Musical and were so wonderfully respectful and dedicated. Congratulations must also go to our Justin Hodges’ Nines winning Year 8 rugby league team, who set an amazing standard. Former Broncos player, Jack Reed, described how remarkable it was for these students to win this carnival without coming from a recognised rugby league academy school. What great athletes! And, I would like to add further congratulations to our successful Cross Country team with Luan Canina, Lola Williams, Ashby Pearson, Jack Pearson and Cian Mallon making the District Team. We have so many talented students.

Last, but not least, if you have been following our Facebook page you will have heard some of the outstanding musical performances from our students. I make no secret of my support for the continued growth of our music program as I know this gives our students so much in terms of enriching their high school experience. Our music program will continue to grow and improve well into the future and I, for one, am very much looking forward to seeing this progression.

On a final note, congratulations to all the Mums in our community after Mothers’ Day. You cannot quantify or put into words the value of a mother. I hope you were all spoilt and had a fantastic day!

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7

Coolum State High School Academy Programs.

Applications for our 2020 Academy Programs close on the 24 May 2019. These very successful programs offer exciting opportunities for our students as they develop skills in their passion. All programs are facilitated before and or after school.

• Basketball
• Surfing
• Wind Symphony
• Young Entrepreneurs
• Touch
• Cheerleading

For more information please click on the following links:

Academy Prospectus:

Academy Application:

ALPHA 2020 Applications

Applications for the 2020 Year 7 ALPHA class close on the 24 May, 2019. ALPHA: Accelerated Learning Program for High Achievers. This exciting program is aimed at high achieving students and has been very successful with our first intake of students in 2019.

Click the link below to download an application form. Application forms must be lodged with our school office by the 24 May 2019. Please do not hesitate to contact myself if you would like to discuss this program in greater detail. Email: aswan26@eq.edu.au.

Application Form:

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.

Parent-Teacher Interviews

I would like to thank all parents who attended the parent-teacher interviews on Wednesday last week. If you were unable to meet with your child’s teacher, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Our wonderful staff are always willing to discuss your child’s progress with you.

Year 8 Interschool Sport

Good luck to all of our Year 8 Interschool Sport teams as they complete this term. The season consists of games on Thursday afternoons against other schools in our sporting district and culminates in a finals day towards the end of term. I’m looking forward to seeing our teams do really well again this year.

School jumpers for winter

As the cooler weather approaches, a reminder that the only jumper students can wear is the school jumper. Our school uniform is available for purchase from The School Locker. As with other uniform processes, students are not to be out of uniform at school and will have the opportunity to change into a school jumper from Student Services if they are cold.

I would like to thank parents and students for their excellent support of our school uniform this year.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal –Senior Secondary Year 10

Excellence in everything we do

It has been a busy time for students in year 10 as they completed their mock interviews and prepared for their work experience block. The feedback from the interviewers was overwhelmingly positive, many praising the professionalism of the students in an interview setting. Well done to all of the year 10’s and Mr Patrick Walden for coordinating the opportunity for the students.

Thank you to parents who attended the ATAR information sessions held as part of parent/teacher interviews on Wednesday 8 May.

Some key points of information from the evening include:

• What is a QCE?
• What are the requirements for QCE eligibility?
• What is an ATAR?
• SET planning 2019
• Fee requirements for 2020

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) remains as Queensland’s Senior Secondary qualification. QCE requirements include:

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is a rank order from 99.95-0.00 that will determine higher education offers for students seeking placement in a University course.

ATAR replaces the Overall Position (OP) system from 2020.

Senior Education Training (SET) Planning is a process that supports students in choosing subjects towards a program of learning in the senior phase of education. On 14/15 August 2019, students are required to attend an interview, with a parent, to select subjects for 2020.

Prior to this interview, students will be required to complete the SET Planning and Career module on One School and have filtered subject choice through the list of pre-requisites to ensure appropriate choices agreed to in the interview.

It is important for students and parents to be aware that academic results are reviewed consistently throughout the year 10. At the end of 2019 all year 10 student results will be reviewed and ratified against the student’s SET plan to ensure pre-requisites have been met and, if required, relevant changes are made prior to commencement of the 2020 academic year.

Fees: 2020

Prior to your child’s SET plan interview:

• 2019 Student Resource fees need to be paid in full ($300.00)

At the SET plan interview:

• We require a 50% deposit for all fee paying elective and certificate subjects paid on the day of the SET plan interview.
• If the deposit is not paid at the time of your interview your child will not be enrolled into the subject for 2020.
• The remaining 25% of additional fees due Term 3 Week 7 with final payment due Term 3 Week 9, this includes payment plans.
• 2020 Student resource fee to be paid in full (Week 6 Term 4 2019).
• Payment Plans (BPoint and Centrepay) 50% deposit is required at the SET plan appointment with the remainder of the payment will be due through your payment plan and paid in full by Term 3 Week 9.
• Payment Options available on the day are Cash, Eftpos and Credit Card.
• Deposits will be refunded if the student does not commence the certificate course or elective subject in 2020.

If you have any questions regarding fees, please contact our Business Manager Nolly Griffiths on 5471 5333.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

It was great to see so many parents of senior students participating in the parent teacher interviews that occurred last Wednesday afternoon. These interviews are important for both teacher and student as they are a great way of recapping on Term1 results and developing improvement strategies for the term ahead.

The Senior Schooling Team will be running Year 10 NEW QCE talks in Term 2 to ensure parents and students are well informed before heading into subject selection in Term 3. These informative presentations will outline all of the current NEW QCE information necessary for parents and students to make important decisions about their senior subject selections. The next information session is scheduled for Thursday the 6 June Week 8 starting at 6pm concluding at 7pm.

Information regarding the next round of hello world trips will be going out to students in the coming weeks. Year 11 ATAR students are set to attend QUT in Brisbane with our non ATAR students going to South Bank TAFE. Our Year 12 cohort will be invited to attend the University of the Sunshine Coast Trip. These trips are extremely beneficial for our students and I encourage all students to attend.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

Student Resource Scheme – Fees Due Now

In the coming weeks you will receive a reminder to have full payment of your SRS by Week 10 of this term. The fee is $300 and means a lot to the students and the school. With this money, we can do so much more for your student, please support the scheme and pay your fees on time.

The Midwinter Ball for Year 12 is fast approaching. For your child to receive an invitation they must have paid SRS fees in full, this includes all previous years and any other outstanding fees.

Academy Programs & Subject Fees

These fees are due now. We will be sending final reminders for the outstanding Academy fees. Without full payment, your child will be removed from an Academy Program. We cannot successfully operate Academy Programs without full payment from all participants.

Subject Fees

These fees are due now. We will be sending final reminders for the outstanding subject fees. Without full payment, your student may be placed into a non-fee paying subject. Please ensure you are up to date with these fees.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss any financial issues you may have. I don’t want your child to miss out, please speak with me about your options.

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

As our new school canteen has opened this term, we are asking for volunteers.

It does not have to be for long, 1 or 2 hours on any given day would be appreciated. The canteen is open from 7.45am to 1.35pm and an extra helping hand with preparation, service and cleaning would be appreciated.

Please reply via email, if you can assist. Pandcexecutive@coolum.eq.edu.au

The only requirement is a BLUE CARD if you are not a parent of a student at the school. Volunteer Blue Cards are free of charge and the application can be done online.

We look forward to hearing from you!

As I am sure you are aware, we have 2 key fundraisers that we set up last year, as part of the work we do to support the students and the school financially. With so many new members on board this year, we hope to increase the number of key fundraising events. Ideas are welcome and will be discussed as part of the agenda in coming meetings.

For now, our focus is the TRIVIA NIGHT on Friday 7 June. It will be HUGE with so many members already on the sidelines to attend. We are excited. Book a table now at the school administration office. Only $5.00 a head with tables of 6 or 8. Attached is a flyer.

If you would like to assist with the arrangements prior to the event or assist on the night please reply by email. If you would like to donate a prize please deliver it to the school administration office by Monday 3 June.

Monica Kutt
Vice President

Dr Mike Nagel

Dr Mike Nagel is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Nagel presented to parents early in Term 1 and the session was both informative and entertaining.

We are very privileged that Dr Nagel will write an article for our newsletter twice a term in 2019.

Below is the first article for Term 2, ‘Dumbing Down the Brain’

Dr Michael C Nagel
Associate Professor
Child Development and Learning
The University of the Sunshine Coast
mnagel@usc.edu.au

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

Last week our Year 10 and 11 students had the opportunity to participate in a Mock Interview as part of their Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. These interviews were conducted by over 30 different representatives from various industries, with the aim of preparing students for future job interviews. Students received amazing feedback from the interviewers, and they were very proud of the confidence displayed.

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 students will be participating in our work experience program with a placement this week from Monday 13 – Friday 17th May. This program provides a great opportunity for students to develop key employability skills and gain some valuable experience about the realities of life in the workforce. Thank you to our local business community for supporting students with a placement this year for a very large cohort. \We look forward to featuring some of the placement photos in our next newsletter and via Facebook.

TAFE at School Courses – Semester 2, 2019 Mid-Year intake (Years 10 and 11).

TAFE are offering a select number of programs across our TAFE campuses for a midyear intake. Please note due to the courses extending into 2020 or beyond the QCE crediting deadline, these are unsuitable for current Year 12s.

Courses now open for applications through the website below. Please use code 'TQEC1902' to access the application form.

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 students will be registered to receive further information and support.

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 at this link:

Please contact me on pwald9@eq.edu.au or 5471 5321 to discuss matters relating to Vocational Education and Training at Coolum State High School.

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

Performing Arts News

Future Island Production Update

Our bi-annual musical camp for our Future Island production ran over the Labour day long weekend here at Coolum and was a huge success! Over 50 students attended the workshop intensive over Saturday the 4th and Sunday 5th of May, roughing it overnight on the floor of our PA theatre and adjoining classrooms.

Our director Ms Puncheon and chorographer Ms Ford ran the cast and ensemble through our large ensemble items together while I assisted with the musical direction, working with soloists and some small ensemble items. Throughout the weekend the students worked tirelessly through their scenes, vocal and dance items and were incredibly behaved with an impeccable work ethic! Overnight our producer, Ms Edgar, Mr Choy and Ms Elley generously volunteered their time (and sleep) to supervise the students and assist with meal times. I’d like to thank them all (along with our amazing Hospitality students and staff) for their assistance and for helping us make the weekend run so smoothly.

I’d also like to thank the students for their hard work and commitment throughout the weekend. They’re an incredible group of students to work with and spend the long weekend with and we’re all in awe of their talent and energy.

Tickets for Future Island are due to go on sale early in Term 3, with the production running over the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of August in our school’s PA Theatre.

Instrumental Music News

Last week we welcomed multi-award winning, The Gap SHS Percussion Ensemble to our school for the day to work with our newly formed Percussion Ensemble and to deliver a workshop for our students. Our students performed with so much spirit and energy and were so grateful for the opportunity to develop their skills amongst our peers from Brisbane. We’re very much looking forward to the day we can share the stage with The Gap at future concerts and events across the state!

On Wednesday the 22nd of May our Wind Symphony has been invited to perform at Chancellor State College Secondary Campus. The Wind Symphony will be performing in a concert with the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony and Concert Band. The evening is a celebration of female conductors and female composers. It’s an exciting opportunity for us as we are the only school invited to perform as part of the concert.

The concert will start with us at 6:15PM and we are scheduled for a sound check on stage at 5:30PM. All students need to be at the performing arts building at Chancellor at 5:00PM wearing formal school uniform.

Students will receive a permission note for this but please mark this in your calendar and make arrangements to be there. The Wind Symphony will be playing first but we would expect all families to follow the accepted etiquette and stay for the entire performance, to support the other two groups playing.

On the 13th of May our regional strings project officer, Kate Taylor will be attending our school to run a double bass workshop. We’re looking forward to hearing what the students get up to throughout the day following this wonderful opportunity!

Rohan Hardy
Head of Performing Arts

Tutorials – Term 2

Sports News

North District Cross Country

35 of Coolum’s best cross country runners took part in the North District Cross Country recently. We placed a very credible 4th out of the 12 competing schools. Only behind Sunshine in 3rd, St Teresa’s in 2nd and St John’s in 1st.

Six of our students finished in the Top 6 in their age group and qualified for the Sunshine Coast Regional Cross Country on 28 May. Well done:

• Zac Sands – 12 Boys – 1st
• Luan Canina – 12 Boys – 4th
• Lola Williams – 12 Girls – 6th
• Ashby Pearson – 13 Girls – 2nd
• Cian Mallon – 16 Boys – 1st
• Jack Pearson – 16 Boys – 2nd

Interschool Sport

Our Year 8 Interschool Sport teams kicked off last Thursday with a friendly game against Sunshine Beach SHS. Games were played in great spirit and helps prepare our teams when they play the first round game in Week 5.

The draw is:

• Week 5 – Away to Burnside
• Week 6 – Home to Nambour
• Week 7 – Home to Sunshine
• Week 8 – Away to Noosa
• Week 9 – Finals day at Burnside 10 am to 2 pm

Sporting Success

Congratulations to Kye Atkinson and Kade Daly who featured for the Sunshine Coast Schools U18 Rugby Union team, who recently took out the State Championship. Both boys played very consistently over the 4 days and were crucial in their team’s 18 to 17 victory over Met East. Kye also received player of the match honours for the final.

Congratulations to the following students who have recently made North District teams:

15 Girls Basketball

Olivia Llewellyn
Isabel Gribble
Imogen Taylor

15 Boys Basketball

Emmanuel Butterworth
Izaak Sklenars
Bailey Jobson
Zac Diekman

Eric Smyth
Teacher

Chaplain News

Hey wonderful Coolum High Community!

For those of you who may not know who I am yet, I am Chappy Mark's side kick and have been at Coolum High for a year now.

Do you know what a School Chaplain does? In a nutshell, we like to help people! We are part of the School’s Student Support Network that works together to help promote the health and wellbeing of the school community & student’s successful career and life pathways. We are a friendly face, a helping hand & a listening ear when you’re on top of the world or when you may be struggling with something at home, work, in your relationships or here at school.

Something you’ll soon realise about me is that I LOVE a good quote and one that springs to mind is “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” (Ziad K. Abdelnour)

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we will all go through seasons where we face challenges. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel anxious or burdened, you don’t have to rely only on yourself – there is always someone in your tribe that can help. At school, there is a whole team of Support Staff that are here to support the students & families in our community. So, if you need help, please ask - as we believe that you are valuable, your life has meaning & what you feel and experience is important.

Have a beautiful week!

Kit Thomas
Mark Horsfall
Chaplains

International Student Program

This year, the International Student Program has welcomed students from Germany, Brazil, Japan, Luxembourg and Austria. Their study abroad experiences vary from three months to over one year. The students are establishing friendships with Australians, from Year 9 to 12. Some of their highlights so far have included learning to surf and visiting Australia Zoo.

In March, we were pleased to welcome a group of Japanese students from Fujishiro High School. The students were aged between 14-17 years old, and all host families and the visiting students found the cultural exchange opportunity very enjoyable.

Term 3 will see new international students arriving (also including students from Italy, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Brazil and Luxembourg). We will also welcome a Study Tour from Taiwan.

The ISP Program offers our students, families and community an opportunity for cultural exchange with students from other countries and developing global connections and friendships. Of course, we also have the privilege of showing off our wonderful part of the world. Host families receive remuneration (hosting fees).

Our Homestay families are really excited to host the international students and walk them through their journey of living the Australian way of life. For more information regarding the homestay experience, please contact Ms Terri Shine on 5471 5303 or 0418 185 809, or email tshin0@eq.edu.au

Terii Shine
ISP Co-Ordinator

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

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