4 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Our school musical ‘Future Island’ was an absolutely roaring success recently with a packed house for each of the shows. The talent of the students involved was nothing short of spectacular. They sang and danced their hearts out and gave polished and professional performances. We could not be prouder of the huge commitment our students and staff put in to the production of the musical over the past few months.

The performing arts at high school provide opportunities to learn an instrument, perform on stage and act with, and in front of your peers and community, creating wonderful memories and growing confidence so crucial in many aspects of life.

Many of you would also have seen footage on our Facebook page, showing our talented students performing on assembly each Monday in the Multi Purpose Hall. They sound absolutely wonderful but we know that with a modern, acoustically designed Performance Hall, their talents could truly be showcased.

Our students deserve the very best we can provide. With the success of our Wind Symphony, the musical and performances, it has become more apparent than ever that a Performance Hall at Coolum High is a facility that will not only benefit the school, but also the community as a whole; Coolum could attract top name acts to perform in a modern hall of which we would all be proud.

We have formed a committee to work towards this goal coming to fruition. We know it will take a few years but we will not stop until a state of the art Performance Hall has been completed at Coolum High. Our students deserve nothing less than this.

This is the last year that Queensland students will receive an OP score, with the ATAR system commencing next year. On 3 and 4 September, our Year 12 students sat the QCS Tests which are crucial in OP score calculations.

We know that this talented group of students have worked and studied incredibly hard over the past two years in particular, and we cannot wait to hear about their successes.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principals - Junior Secondary Year 7, 8 & 9

Outstanding student achievements!

It is with great pride and excitement that we are can share in the latest success of our wonderful Coolum High students. Our relentless focus on improved learning and behaviour has again shown what Coolum High students can do.

We firmly believe that excellence in literacy and numeracy will give all students the capacity to have a future of choice, where many opportunities exist for them and students are able to choose their futures, not settle for what is left.

To put this in perspective, Coolum High students have recorded the highest NAPLAN results of all secondary state schools on the coast in Year 9 Writing and both Year 7 Reading and Writing.

We have also been reported in the media as being in the top ten most improved schools on the coast for our Year 9 results, and the first school listed with a large cohort of students.

We cannot be prouder of our students and teachers. Some highlights include:

Reading

Year 7: significantly above the national average and the leading secondary state school on the coast.

Year 9: significantly above the state average and similar to that of the nation.

Writing

Years 7 and 9: our highest scores ever! The students’ writing scores are similar to or above the national mean score. Our explicit focus on literacy development, teaching through text and our ‘Writing on Demand’ program are showing the rewards.

Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation

Years 7 and 9: although these are amongst the best scores we have ever achieved and are similar to or above the national mean, this will be an area of focus into the future.

Numeracy

Years 7 and 9: our highest scores ever! We also achieved 100% of our Year 9 students being above the National Minimum Standard after coming so close to this in previous years. In Year 7, 99.1% of students achieved this feat.

Successful ATAR scores in Year 12, through Queensland’s New Senior system, will demand that Coolum High students can perform in external exams. Whilst that is the future ahead, we can see that our junior secondary students are more than capable and prepared for what is to come.

Meeting for All Academy Students

All students in academies are required to attend a short meeting on Friday 6 September in the school hall at the start of first break. Students will need to bring along their academy uniforms if they have them at home. A videographer from Short Stack Productions will be at our school to video our academy students.

Anthony Swan and Terry Proctor
Deputy Principals Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal –Senior Secondary Year 10

Excellence in everything we do

Students in Years 8 and 9 are currently invited to complete their 2020 subject preference process. All students have been emailed the Subject information handbook and One School Preference process. All students now have access to One School after resolving a small access issue earlier this week.

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

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

Forms are requested to be retuned on 9 September.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

QCS test

On Tuesday and Wednesday our Year 12 OP students will have undertaken the Queensland core skills test (QCS) which is used in the calculation of their overall position (OP). Students and staff have been working extremely hard in preparation for the QCS test and from our early practice marks expect our best ever QCS results. We commend the Year 12 QCS students for their dedication during these very important exams.

Senior Block Exams

In Week 9 Year 12 students will be completing assessment/exams in an external block exam period. Year 12 students will be given an exam timetable next week to assist in this process and this will also be available on Q Parents.

It is extremely important that all senior students attend school right up to the last day of term to ensure they have completed all of the required assessment tasks for their subjects. If a student is sick on the day an exam they must follow the assessment policy and notify the school of the absence and provide a medical certificate on their return to school. A suitable time to complete the assessment piece will be negotiated with the student.

Bring Your Own Laptop program

A reminder that in 2020 all students in Year 7-12 will need to bring their own laptops for use at Coolum State High School.

We have over the last few years been decommissioning and removing computer labs as hardware goes past its life cycle and more students bring their own laptops. Faculties are ensuring that lesson content is delivered using technology where possible and appropriate. This change will better support students to develop higher levels of proficiency in using ICT. As the Australian Curriculum states:

Students develop capability in using ICT for tasks associated with information access and management, information creation and presentation, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, creative expression and empirical reasoning. This includes conducting research, creating multimedia information products, analysing data, designing solutions to problems, controlling processes and devices, and supporting computation while working independently and in collaboration with others.

If you would like to discuss this further please don’t hesitate to contact the school and speak with the appropriate year level Deputy Principal.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

SUBJECT FEES

Thank you to all the families that made a substantial payment towards their child’s subject fees. Please ensure you check your Statement of Account for your outstanding amount. Non payments may affect your child’s entry into the subject.

To be accepted into a fee paying Subject:

• All outstanding fees are paid in full; and
• Full payment of the SRS for that year; and
• 50% of the total cost of subject fees paid upon selection; and
• 25% of the remaining balance paid by Term 3, week 7; and
• 25% of the remaining balance paid by Term 3, week 9

The school accepts Centrelink or BPOINT as payment plan options should you be experiencing financial difficulties. I encourage you to contact me if you would like to discuss your payment options.

We want to be able to provide your child with the necessary teaching and learning resources so they can succeed. Without your fees and on-time payments, this would be a very difficult goal to achieve, please support the school.

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)

National Skills Week

Last week Coolum State High School celebrated the annual National Skills week event. This week of celebration is designed to highlight career pathways and the true value of vocational education leading to real skills for real careers.

Across the week we had a number of guest speakers including representatives from Coolum, Business and Tourism and Rivers First Aid talking about career pathways in the tourism, business and health industries.

TAFE at School Program Applications for Semester 1, 2020

Applications are now open for a range of TAFE @ Schools Programs for study commencing in Semester 1 2020. Students who will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 next year are able to consider these courses subject to available places and final approval from the Head of Department for Vocational Studies as part of their timetable.

Study options include:

Mooloolaba

Nambour

Online

SCHI

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre

For further information, please consult the TAFE @ Schools 2020 course guide available at

White Card Training

The General Construction Induction card provides new and existing workers with the basic understanding and knowledge needed to start or continue work within the building and construction industry.

Training for this must be undertaken at a registered training organisation via face-to-face delivery. Coolum State High School is pleased to advise that one of our industry partners, Diggerman offers this course as part of their training products.

The training facility is conveniently located in the Coolum Industrial Estate. For more information please contact Diggerman directly on 5351 1811.

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

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)

Science News

Science Week 2019

Science Week 2019 celebrated the outstanding students who achieved Excellence in Science from Year 7 through to Year 12. This year during lunchtime activities we focussed on the environmental theme initiated by our Environmental leader – Jye Parkinson and UQ Science ambassador Mika Joyce-Mangschou. Finally we also welcomed Engineers without Borders who work with third world countries helping them with their infrastructure needs. Thanks to all of the students who participated and of course our amazing teachers and Paula our Lab Technician who assisted with the activities. Finally a big thanks to Kaye North (North Coast STEM champion), Engineers without border and QUT and finally Albert the Bee man for supplying our Bees wax.

Paul Olsen
Head of Department Science

STEM News

Athena STEM girls.

Athena STEM project is a collaboration between Coolum, Sunshine Beach and Noosa District High Schools.

A number of girls have been taking part in a series of activities and workshops to introduce them to STEM by meeting women working in these areas to inspire and mentor the girls. We had a 2 day workshop a few weeks ago which introduced the girls to work in cell biology, applications of 3D printing and to look at the possibilities of coding.

A recent visit to Brisbane allowed the students to meet women working at Boeing through the University of Queensland and start looking at ways to apply drone technology to local issues. A visit to the Cube at QUT introduced the girls to mechatronics with the opportunity to build a robotic arm.

We have another 2 days of activities and workshops giving the students the opportunity to start developing ideas and projects on local issues.

Louise Halahan
Teacher

Performing Arts News

Future Island – Thank You

I couldn’t be prouder of the students and staff coming together over the last week, finally showcasing Future Island to our school and to our community. I’ve been involved in and run school musicals before and what set this apart was the sense of teamwork, acknowledgement of the students and the authenticity of the work for our students and our school.

I must say a huge thank you to Ms Puncheon for all of her work in rehearsals after school and through lunchtimes, writing the show over school holidays and answering the hundreds of questions from so many keen and budding young directors. It was a privilege to watch and assist her through the development of the production from the concept, to the development of the narrative, characters and blocking of scenes over the last 8 months.

I must of course also thank Ms Edgar for her support with ticketing, logistics, camp, promotional material and back stage. Thank you to Ms Kryger and Ms Kelly for the incredible set and entryway (I saw heaps of photos being taken on the jetty), Mr Samson for the impeccable attention to detail with the sound, Ms Venning and Ms Ford for their work assisting with choreography and characterisation, Ms Samson for all her support and work with the production early this term, Ms McInnes for all her work supporting our team in her pre-service role, Ms Clarke, Ms Griffiths and our make up assistants and all of our staff volunteers and student assistants.

I’d also like to acknowledge our school P&C and Ms Bates-Pay for running the popcorn machine and selling beverages to over 500 people that attended the production over the last weekend.

It was wonderful to see so many current and past students coming along, watching and supporting our students. It’s clear to me, that events like this (and the tradition and reputation of quality shows in our past) will continue to grow the positive and inclusive culture that I love so much about this department.

Stay tuned for more information about our Arts showcase in Term 4, in our PA Theatre, where we will again be sharing the work of our talented students and staff to our community.

Rohan Hardy
Head of Performing Arts

Sports News

On Tuesday the 20 August, 35 students travelled down to Burpengary to take part in the Moreton Bay Classic 9 a side AFL competition.

Both the junior Boys coached by Mr McDonough, and junior girls coached by Mr Blackborough (president of the Coolum breakers), played extremely well in their first kick out as a team. Both teams came across some hefty competition but held their own, each coming away with a couple of wins and some very tight games.

The Senior Girls had a stellar competition, asserting dominance from the first game. With teamwork, great communication and some impressive skills, the girls took out first place in the competition!

A MASSIVE congratulations to all students involved, it was a fantastic day with exemplary behaviour, teamwork and effort. Special thanks to Dean Blackborough from the Breakers, as without his much appreciated help, the junior girls would not have had the opportunity to play, and we would have had some jersey-less teams!!

Christina Fiducioso
Sport Teacher

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

Student Contribution - Jye Parkinson

GREEN STUFF: Are you confused about recycling?

If you’ve ever wondered what should or shouldn’t go in the yellow-lidded bin, you’re not alone. Almost two-thirds of Australians are confused about what can and can’t be recycled. So let’s get some of these things “sorted” for you.

GENERAL RULES

Remove lids, clean, dry and empty: Remove lids & food scraps from containers, give them a quick rinse if they are dirty and ensure they don't contain liquids. Put simply, anything which could become rancid within a day, shouldn't be placed in your recycling bin.

Bigger is better so check the size: Items smaller than your fist generally cannot be recycled. This is because they tend to fall through the sorting machinery and end up in waste.

Squash your plastic containers & cardboard boxes: Many householders do this because it allows them to squeeze more into their recycling bins. But this simple process is also really helpful for your recycler.

Let your recyclables roam free: Bagging up your recyclables, like putting milk bottles and jars in one bag, is a no-no. It means they can’t be sorted properly and may end up in landfill. So chuck recyclables into your bin loose.

LET’S TALK SPECIFICS

Paper/Cardboard:

• Can: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, tissues, cardboard, pizza boxes (food scraped off), junk mail, liquid paperboard (e.g. milk and juice cartons).
• Cannot: Waxed cardboard boxes, paper/cardboard items heavily contaminated with oil and grease.

Plastic Containers:

• Can: All containers with an identifying number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 on the bottom of the container. Including milk, soft drink, detergent, ice cream, juice, yoghurt and take away containers.
• Cannot: Containers with a number 7 on them, syringes, plastic films, wrap or plastic bags.

Steel & Aluminium:

• Can: Food and drink cans, aerosols (just make sure they’re empty) and aluminium foil scrunched into a ball no smaller than your fist.
• Cannot: Other metal products such as car parts, appliances or cutlery.

Glass:

• Can: All glass food jars and bottles of any colour.
• Cannot: Any other glass such as light bulbs, pyrex ovenware, drinking glasses, window glass or crockery such as plates, cups and mugs

General News

Southern Sabres Basketball

We are kicking off our new basketball Summer Season in Term 4, and we would love to get your students involved.

Coolum High is one of a few schools to make up the intraclub Southern Sabres, who are part of the weekly basketball competitions.

Dates for your Diary