24 July 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

What a fantastic way to return to Coolum State High School with the news of our outstanding improvements in achievement and attendance across the school population announced just in time for the beginning of Term 3.

I hope all our Coolum families had the opportunity to take some time over the break to relax together and recharge the batteries for the very busy term ahead filled with all the learning, assessment and excitement it brings for our students.

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted 29 July to 23 August 2019. All families, school staff and a random sample of students will be invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what our school does well, and how we can improve.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey will be sent home with students shortly. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection.

Term 2 ended on an incredibly high note for our Year 12 students who celebrated their final year with the spectacular Midwinter Ball. The conduct and maturity of all our Senior students was excellent and they looked amazing and grown up in their outfits. It was wonderful to see so many proud parents join the students and staff enjoying the evening. We must thank our incredibly supportive P&C for providing the beautiful cake to help celebrate the graduating class of 2019.

I would like to congratulate all of our students on their fantastic collective achievements which are clearly evident in their Semester 1 reports.

Leading the charge with improved results are our Year 12s who continue to be role models for all of our students with some magnificent academic achievements. At this time last year, our Year 12s had recorded 13.3% A grades. This has now risen to an amazing 23.2% A grades on Semester 1 Reports! Added to this, the number of D or E grades has fallen from 9.6% to 6.5%. What a magnificent achievement, well done Year 12! Overall, the school has seen A grades rise to 18.9% from 16.5%; and D or E grades fall from 13.1% to 9.7%. This is simply outstanding and further proof that Coolum High is transforming into a school to be reckoned with!

A number of students throughout all year levels also achieved the fantastic distinction of ‘straight A’ grades on their report cards. To achieve this in Year 12 is even more amazing with four of our outstanding students reaching this incredible standard.

An achievement like this takes ability, persistence and commitment, not only from the student but the parents as well. Congratulations – what an inspiration!!

Coupled with these brilliant results, attendance has risen 1.1% which is a good start to improving the quality and continuity of learning for our students.

One thing that is abundantly clear, is the strength of the link between school attendance and students’ results. Unmistakeably, students who attended school well performed well on their reports. Everyday attendance is possibly the most important factor in a student’s success and is one of the goals I encourage most strongly.

Over the holidays, we have also seen work begin on our new STEM Supercentre located at the front of the school, and the building-in underneath the Smart Futures Centre. Both of these projects show what an exciting time it is to be part of Coolum High and the great future for the school we can all anticipate. Although there will be difficulties, I can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition.

As we begin the semester, it’s also a good time to consider the online activities of our students. Most experts are now advising us as parents to put limits on students’ screen time and ensure devices are handed in of an evening. The reality of cyber-bullying is unfortunately real in the current age and the best antidote is to teach our young people appropriate online behaviours and monitor what they are doing online. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions.

Also, this semester we will focus on better understanding and implementing assessment, both formative and summative. In Junior Secondary, this will mean continuing to align our assessment to the Achievement Standards. In Senior, it will mean developing our summative instruments effectively, while also developing strong formative assessment regimes. I have a lot to learn in this area and am looking forward to learning this with everyone.

Last but not least, we will continue to embed R2L, reaching our goal of having students skilfully complete Individual Rewrites and Individual Constructions. Our gradual release model will end with students independently applying the reading and writing skills they have learned during the semester, using text to teach both content and skills.

As a school, we are looking forward to a fantastic Semester 2. We know our students are talented and capable, and we can see the improvements in the way they are performing academically, in music and the arts, and on the sporting field. At a personal level, I am very much looking forward to the semester ahead.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7

Tutorials

The tutorial service, provided freely by many of our staff, is highly valued by everyone. For many years it has created an extra opportunity for students to gain assistance in their studies and will continue to do so. For the tutorials to be effective it is vital that the student personally wants to be there and has come with their work that they would like help with. Students that attend the tutorials will be required to sign in and out on an attendance form.

Venue: G Block
Weeks: Week 2 to Week 8
Time: 3pm to 4pm. Students are not required to stay for the full hour but are required to sign out when they leave.

School Opinion Survey

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted from 29 July to 23 August 2019. All families, school staff and a random sample of students will be invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what our school does well, and how we can improve.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey will be sent home with students on the 29 July. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection.

Parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet at home are welcome to complete their survey online at the school. School computers/tablets will be available.

Survey queries or requests for translations can be directed to Anthony Swan (Deputy Principal) on telephone 07 54715333 or email aswan26@eq.edu.au.

Enrolments

Year 7 enrolment applications are due now. If you have a student commencing Year 7 in 2020, please ensure you have submitted their enrolment application to our office. This will greatly assist us with our planning for 2020.

Academies 2020

If you are interested in being part of one of our exciting and highly successful academies in 2020, ensure you download and application form and return it immediately to our office. The application can be downloaded by clicking here.

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.

Outstanding Student Results

I was extremely proud when I reviewed the report card results for Year 8 and 9 students.

In Year 8, 94% of all grades were As, Bs or Cs which shows tremendous success for our students. Likewise, it also showed that 96% of all behaviour results were satisfactory or better.

In Year 9, almost 95% of all grades were As, Bs or Cs and more than 96% of behaviour results were satisfactory or better.

With literacy and numeracy being key to our Junior Secondary vision and an essential foundation for success in the senior school, it was also fantastic to see that our English and Maths results were the best ever seen at Coolum High.

We are so determined that our students believe in themselves and take their rightful place as some of the highest achievers on the Sunshine Coast. Results such as these will create so many opportunities for our students to have a successful future of choice in the years ahead.

Attendance

Whilst we celebrate our academic results, there are still other areas of improvement. One such area for Year 8s and 9s is attendance. For Semester 1, our Year 8 attendance was 89.4% and Year 9 was 87.4%. This signals a much-needed area for improvement in order to meet our school target of 92%.

Our focus remains on students attending school every single day unless they are sick, or there is some other emergent situation. Every day counts.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal –Senior Secondary Year 10

Excellence in everything we do

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all of our families to Semester 2 2019. I trust you all enjoyed a restful winter holiday break. We have a very busy term ahead for all students but particularly our Year 10 students as they head into SET planning.

Year 10 students are reminded to check the published academic benchmarks against their Semester 1 report card. The 2020 Senior subject selection booklet link was emailed to all parents and students at the end of Term 2. It can also be located on the school website using the following pathway; Support and Resources/Forms and documents/documents/2020/2020 Senior Secondary Course and Information Handbook.

On Wednesday 7 August, we are running our annual Subject Expo. This event takes place in the school hall from 3:30-5:30pm and is open to all students. It is a great opportunity for Year 10 students and families to talk to teachers about subject offerings for 2020.

I’m looking forward to working with all the Year 10 students as they complete as aspects of career education and subject selection over the coming weeks.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

Welcome back to Term 3, a very important time for our year 12 students as they strive for academic excellence. In week 8 of this term, the year 12 OP students will be sitting the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) exams. These exams help determine the overall position for each student, a number that is generated to gain a university position. From the testing and preparation that we have been undertaking over the last 18 months, we are extremely confident of great results in the QCS exam.

During the first few weeks of this term, senior reporting, attendance and behaviour data will be analysed to identify students that are at risk of not receiving a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). QCE at risk interviews with senior students will be taking place to identify the areas of concern and developing improvement strategies to ensure success in the next reporting period.

Research has clearly identified that academic success has close links to student attendance. The Year 12 cohort have been attending school well above the school target of 92% and this has been reflected in their results. The Year 11 cohort has some work to do this term as they have fallen below 90% for the first time. Coolum SHS places great emphasis on student attendance and we have set a target of 92% to reflect this. At the end of Semester 1, senior students achieved the following attendance rate below.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

Welcome back to Term 3, I hope you enjoyed your winter break. We have been very busy during the term holidays, as always, we take the break to run our Term Cleaning Program so that our students return to a clean and hygienic environment. The term clean allows us to pressure clean those larger and more difficult areas. Also, our long-serving and dedicated groundsman has been busy pruning, mowing and tidying our grounds and garden beds. His commitment to the school is wonderful to see and I am sure you will appreciate that when you visit the school and take in the natural surrounds that he looks after. And of course our Facilities Officer gets to all the important jobs around the school fixing locks and windows, repainting, patching holes, repairing furniture and so much more. I am so proud to be working with such a great team who are committed to maintain a high standard at all times, so that your children can learn in a clean, safe and well-presented environment.

Term 3 is also the time that we must have all outstanding fees finalised. It’s also particularly important as we head into the SET Planning phase for Year 10 students. Subject and certificate course fees can quickly add up so getting on top of your outstanding fees is a must, for your child to be placed into their chosen subject.

You will receive a Statement of Account in Week 6 this term, which will provide you with your account details and what is outstanding. Please look out for this in your email and finalise any outstanding amount.

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

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.

Year 10 Trade Taster Program Term 3 in-take

A number of Year 10 students submitted applications for the Term 3 in-take of the Trade Taster Program. Successful applications should have received notification directly from TAFE.

Participants will be expected to attend TAFE Queensland Nambour campus on either a Tuesday or Friday from the week commencing 5thAugust 2019 for the remainder of Term 3 and into Term 4 (final week of study is Week commencing 14th October).

If you have any queries about the program, please contact me.

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 link below. Please use code 'TQEC1902' to access the application form. Immediate start would be required.

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 via the link below.

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

In 1985 a young Hugh Jackman starred in his high school musical. In 2019 Coolum SHS presents ‘Future Island’ and introduces a new generation of Australian entertainers.

‘Future Island’ tells the tale of two opposing tribes, the New Waves and the Glamatrons, living in a new world in the not-so-distant future. Combining popular Australian music, contemporary dance, comedy, tragedy, and an environmental message, this original production will showcase the many talents of our cast.

‘Future Island’ will run for 3 shows on August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. The shows will begin at 7pm and be held in the Performing Arts block theatre at Coolum State High School.

Tickets are $10 and will be available through Try Booking from the 29th of July. An email with directions on how to book will be sent on this date.

The cast and crew are so excited to bring this spectacular fusion of the creative arts to you in August. We look forward to entertaining you.

Carla Edgar
Head of Performing Arts
Teacher/Musical Teacher

Student Contribution - Jye Parkinson

GREEN STUFF: Waste Free Wednesdays

Plastic Free July is the perfect time to launch “Waste Free Wednesdays” at CSHS. It’s as easy as it sounds. In Term 3, you just make Wednesdays the day you are 100% mindful about the waste you generate. If you do it well, you’ll leave no trace.

Why is it important?

Every year the average Australian family produces enough rubbish to fill a three-bedroom house, and a school of 500 students produces 15 tonnes of waste in that same year, from lunch boxes alone.

Waste Free Wednesday is a good way to create new habits if you’re not sure where to begin.

What does it involve?

The goal of Waste Free Wednesday is to avoid throwing anything out, or buying anything at all that may end up in landfill. Items that can be recycled – as long as you do recycle them – are OK.

What do I need to avoid on Wednesdays?

• Cling wrap, alfoil, plastic zip lock bags
• Single-serve packaging e.g. yoghurt, biscuits, chips, chocolates, cheese
• Throw away or take-away packaging e.g. coffees, bought-lunches
• Non-essentials e.g. straws, plastic bags
• Plastic bottles – while a lot of the bottles themselves can be recycled, remember the lids can’t. If you can, BYO bottle and fill up from a tap. Cans are another good alternative.
• Making new purchases – it’s not just grocery items that are a problem, it’s all the ‘stuff’ we buy. Think twice before you pull out a credit card or hand over cash…..and not just on Wednesdays. See if you can reuse something you already have, borrow it from someone else, or buy second-hand before you buy anything new.

Tips for waste free lunches:

• Swap foil and plastic wrap for reusable sandwich wraps & containers for food
• Keep your cup – take your own reusable water bottles & coffee cups
• BYO reusable stainless steel or bamboo cutlery
• Reusable napkins
• Pop your own popcorn and pack it in a paper bag
• Take homemade smoothies in a cold thermos that holds the temperature until break time
• A handful of dried cereal such as Weet-bix bites or Cheerios
• Use leftovers for lunch
• Whole fruits without packaging
• Your own trail mix with dried fruit (apples, sultanas, banana), pepitas, sunflower seeds
• Homemade muffins kept frozen – throw it in the lunch box & it will thaw by lunch time
• Cut your own cheese slices & put with crackers
• Yoghurt in a reusable container filled from home from a bulk container

Jye Parkinson
Student

Chaplain News

The chaplaincy program depends strongly on the financial support of the local community. Generous donations and fundraisers play a significant role in deciding what type of service is delivered here at school.

On Sunday, the 28th July at 2pm at Saint Peters Catholic Church Coolum the Sunshine Coast Concert Band will be performing a fundraising concert for chaplaincy. It will feature a 40-piece band directed by well-known Coolum local and music director Ken Chadwick. Alex Chambers a young (18) performer on the coast, with a magnificent voice, will also be performing. Hits from Tom Jones, Tchaikovsky and the Greatest Showman will make it an event not to miss. Afternoon tea will also be provided. Tickets are $15 or $25 for a family and can be purchased at the door.

Chappy Kit and I hope to see you there. Chappy Mark

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:

Dates for your Diary