13 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

This time of year is one in which the exhilaration and anticipation for the final days of Year 12 is met with the poignancy and knowledge that school for our Seniors is almost over; assessment has wrapped up and the Graduation Ceremony is fast approaching. In all the excitement, I would urge all of our Year 12 students to reflect on the importance of these last days as a Senior at Coolum State High School with respect and care for their peers and their school. Finishing Year 12 is a wonderful rite of passage: make it one to remember fondly because, even though it might be hard to believe right now, these really are some of the best days of your lives.

From the first cohort of Prep students, to the last group of Year 7s in primary school, to the last Year 12s who sat the QCS Test, this amazing group of young people have so many memories to take with them on their journey into the next phase of their life. As they leave the school grounds on Friday for the last time as students of Coolum High, they will take with them our very best wishes for a successful life. They are all incredibly talented and have the capability of creating for themselves a wonderfully exciting career.

Our Senior Graduation Ceremony will be held on Thursday evening at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. There has been a tangible air of excitement and anticipation amongst our Year 12 students and staff leading up to this wonderful event. In fitting with such a prestigious occasion, once again our students will wear academic gowns and mortarboards to celebrate the achievement of graduating from high school. We look forward to celebrating this occasion with the parents of our Year 12s, whose guidance and commitment over the years cannot be overstated as one of the most important reasons why these students have been so successful. The Graduation Ceremony is a time for you also to celebrate this significant occasion. On behalf of the staff of Coolum High, I thank you for your support throughout the years.

To our Graduating Class of 2019, in the words of the amazing Dr Seuss, ‘Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.’

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7

Academies

Applications close soon for academies in 2020. Next Year we will be introducing three additional programs. Netball Development Academy (Years 7/8), AFL Development Academy and the Chess Development Academy. These programs will add to the already exciting range of academies and programs. We strongly encourage our students to become involved in these excellent extra-curricular activities.

The academies breakup function for 2019 will be held at the Bli Bli Aqua Park on 7 December. This will include a closed to public 1 hour session on the Aqua Park followed by a BBQ. All academy members have received an invitation letter this week. If your child is in an academy, please ensure you return the permission note by 21 November so that we can appropriately cater for the BBQ.

Surfing

This Saturday in front of Tickle Park, Mr Adam Baldwin and a team of staff from Coolum SHS will facilitate the long running surfing championships. This is an opportunity for students to get their name on the legacy trophy as one of the best surfers in our school. There is a prestigious list of names on the trophies that date back decades. Mr Baldwin has introduced a number of new divisions which will add to the excitement. Student can now compete in the following divisions:

Primary School Male
Primary School Female
Junior Secondary Male
Junior Secondary Female
Senior Secondary Male
Senior Secondary Female
Junior Secondary Assessment

We are approaching the summative assessment phase of Term 4 for our students. With 4 and a half weeks to go before the holidays, it is an important reminder to keep our students focus on their learning. Please ensure your child is reviewing their notes and completing their draft and final assignments on time. Tutorial opportunities are on Wednesday afternoon in G Block from 3pm to 4pm. Students must bring their work with them that they would like assistance with.

Parking

There are currently a number of reported issues with parents parking across the driveways and on the lawn of residential addresses in Havana West Road. This is causing and inconvenience to these residents. There is public parking a short distance towards the other end of this road. If you are driving to collect your child, please be considerate of these residents and their driveway access.

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.

Cyber Safety

On Wednesday and Thursday last week our Year 7, 8 and 9 students were involved in information and education presentations about the importance of cyber safety. These were presented by representatives from the Department of Education.

Students were informed about the importance of having very tight security settings on their social media accounts, not to allow unknown people to ‘follow’ them on social media, and not to get involved in chat groups with people who they do not know.

Whilst many adults think about social media when it comes to cyber safety, it was also made clear to students that online gaming platforms (Xbox, PlayStation etc.) are just as prolific and dangerous in the area of cyber bullying.

Students were educated about appropriate behaviours and images in the online space, as their ‘digital footprint’ remains forever. Some students were also surprised to hear that approximately 90% of future employers conduct google searches or other online searches of potential employees.

I would like to thank Mr Koch for his work in organising these important sessions for our students.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal –Senior Secondary Year 10

Excellence in everything we do

2019 has been a year of amazing success for many students at Coolum High. As we move closer to the end of the academic year and a much-anticipated holiday break it is important to ensure that students finish their academic year with their best effort. Ensuring students have all of their assessment requirements planned out with draft and due dates and using time wisely to complete set tasks and seek feedback from teachers will allow students to achieve to the best of their ability. Consistant work ethic is the key for improvement.

All Year 10 students are reminded that completion of Certificate 2, Skills for work (CVP) is compulsory prior to the start of Year 11 in 2020. Any students who have not completed this qualification will be required to return to school in Weeks 9 and 10 to secure this qualification.

As always, we expect our students to strive towards improving their attendance percentage by coming to school. Our requirements for effort and behaviour remain unchanged as does our commitment to ensuring all of our students achieve the highest levels of success possible.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

It was fantastic to see at our annual Coolum SHS Celebration of Excellence evening, with so many senior students rewarded for their academic or sporting excellence. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2019 DUX, awarded to Olivia Williams. Olivia has had an amazing year and this is a reward for her hard work and dedication.

Year 12 students have now finished their last assessment block and are on the countdown to Friday as they depart to bigger and brighter endeavours. There has been some outstanding academic achievements in Year 12 with several VHA10’s awarded, the highest possible mark a students can receive.

The Year 10 students will be entering an external block exam period in Week 8, this will require students to only attend school when they have an exam identified on their timetable. The block exam timetables will be communicated to students and parents in Week 7. Year 11 at risk interviews will be held in the last two weeks of school. Students will be identified from their academic performance in 2019 and their progress towards achieving the Queensland Certificate of Education QCE. These at risk interviews are vital for ensuring student success in 2020.

Finally I would like to wish all of the Year 12 cohort all the very best for the future and hope they have a safe and enjoyable schoolies celebrations.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

FINALISE ALL YOUR FEES

This week we emailed you a Statement of Account with your account details and what is outstanding. Please look out for this in your email and finalise any outstanding amount.

YEAR 12 FEES

To Whom It May Concern: ensure your student can participate in the very exciting and memorable event, the Year 12 ‘Cap and Gown’ Graduation at Novotel Twin Waters Resort we require all outstanding fees to be paid. This is a very special occasion that we don’t want you to miss!

2020 STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME & SUBJECT FEES

We have begun preparation for 2020 and you will notice the SRS fee on your Statement of Account. Fortunately, we have been able to maintain the fee at $300. This vital income to the school means we can continue to provide quality teaching and learning resources for your student. Early payment of the fee ensures that the resources purchased will benefit your student at the very start of the new school year.

We also require all subject fees to be paid in full by the end of this term to ensure your student will be placed into that subject for next year. We provide the resources for fee-paying subjects directly to your student and we cannot do that without your full payment. I urge you to contact the school if you have any difficulties making payment by the end of this year. We have started planning for 2020 subjects and classes and therefore require your urgent attention to these accounts.

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

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 next article, ‘Feed the Brain’

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

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

With the end of the school year fast approaching, it is important to make sure that your child is up-to-date with all their competency based assessment, including work for CVP (Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways) undertaken by students in Year 10 and 11.

Any students who do not complete the required course work by Week 7 will be invited back to school to complete this during Weeks 8, 9 and 10 before the vacation period.

If you have any questions about this, please contact me on 5471 5321 or pwald9@eq.edu.au

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

Sunshine Coast Health Institute

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre

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

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.

QBuild Apprenticeship Program Recruitment

QBuild has now commenced its recruitment campaign and invites applications for 20 apprenticeships across the State.

Please see below information regarding the positions and links to where applicants can apply. Applicants indicate the location they are wanting to apply for within a questionnaire as part of the application.

QBuild, through its apprenticeship program, is training future tradespeople on building projects that build our regions and benefit Queensland’s communities. The apprenticeship positions across the following locations are to commence in March 2020.

Eligibility

All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia, have a minimum of Year 10 with sound/satisfactory or C level pass, or equivalent, in Maths and English and be a minimum of 15 years of age by 30th March 2020.

Can’t find the opportunity you’re looking for?

Did you know that one of the most successful ways to secure a school-based or full-time apprenticeship or traineeship opportunity is for a student to directly approach an employer and ask if they have capacity to take on an apprentice or trainee? If they have further questions about the process or their obligations and entitlements, they can contact the school for further information and support.

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 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)

Work Experience Defence Force

For the week of the 16 to the 19 of September I travelled down to Enoggera in Brisbane to take part in the 4 day defence force work experience program (DWEP). I had put in my application a month in advance applying for the 2CER (2nd combat engineer regiment) work experience at the Enoggera army base advocating why I should be considered to take part in the incredible experience. Two weeks later I was informed that my application was successful and that I would be a part of the DWEP in the last week of Term 3.

On Monday the 16 September I arrived at Enoggera and signed into the army base. There were 7 other work experience kids in the same regiment, I was the only girl but we all bonded over our same interests throughout the program. The working day started at 0800 and ended at 1600 roughly each day. Lieutenant Elliot Woods guided us through mandatory information and introduction when we first arrived on base. We were shown around the digger’s gym and in the 2CER where we would spend the next few days with the different squadrons within the regiment. After the introduction and safety information we went in and around the mechanics workshops and machinery. We were informed of the role of 11 squadron specific to mechanics and maintenance soldiers. 1200 came around quickly and we were taken to the mess for lunch until 1300. The afternoon was then spent rotating between a dozer simulator and the doggies. Our group of 4 first went to the doggies, the combat engineers who are responsible for the military dogs. We were shown around the kennels where the 4 dogs train in their agility course, learning to work in different surfaces like stairs, decking, tiles, tunnels etc. We then moved out onto the oval and trained the dogs as if they were in the field searching for bombs. I had a go and got Echo the border collie x kelpie to find the hidden explosive powder by using verbal and non-verbal commands. After playing with the dogs we moved over to the dozer simulator. It was amazing how real it felt driving the bull dozer but I don’t think I will find a job in driving dozers as I managed to crash and set it up in flames… whoops. We regrouped and finished the day there.

Tuesday came and we spent the day in 7 squadron with the combat engineers. To start off at around 0900 we rode in the bushmaster PMV’s (Protected Mobility Vehicle) up to an outdoor training facility where we used mine detectors to properly find mines in a field like situation. We learnt flowering and union jack techniques to find the centre of the mine. After about an hour there we went for a drive around the base going past all the different regiments and facilities there are in the base, which is huge. That brought us to about lunchtime where we were again taken to the mess. After the mess we spent majority of the afternoon in a search house. I really enjoyed this training as the objective is to create pulleys to move certain objects or open doors when you are 200 metres away from the house in the field. Watching the soldiers work together to problem solve a way to open or move things without touching it and using only a rope and different anchor point was really interesting and was stoked we also got to give it a go. In teams of 4 we were tasked to open a fridge door using just a rope clamp and hook. With communication, teamwork and determination we stood from afar and watched as we pulled the door of the fridge wide open from outside the house. After packing up there we ventured back in the PMV’s and left base for the day.

On Wednesday we were with 2 squadron for the day and trained with the combat engineers in that squadron. We spent the morning in a night training facility which was really cool. There was different scenarios set up in this building from bedrooms to schools, alleys, stairs, tunnels and a jungle. After looking and walking through the training facility and tunnel system we went into the big artificial jungle to do some night training. In pairs we were separated from each other to complete the challenge of finding all 7 hidden un natural objects in the jungle which was pitch black with the exception of small lighting representing the natural moon light in the field. We used NVG’s (night vision goggles) to look carefully and walk slowly through the jungle looking out for any alarming objects such as mines, grenades, trip wires and even things such as cigarette packets which could contain and IED. We found all 7 objects although we found one by tripping on the trip wire which proves how difficult and how observant you must be. By the time we had all gone through that training and gotten back to the regiment it was time to head to the mess again. After lunch we went back to 2CER and was shown around the ACV’s (Amphibian combat vehicle) and watched a couple of engineers make IED’s (Improvised Explosive Device) from scratch which was incredible and interesting to watch using plastic and random bit and bobs to make an explosive. This brought us to the end of day 3.

The final day we arrived and at 0900 we went to the 2CER parade where soldiers within the regiments were awarded for their service. It was really eye opening to watch and we all enjoyed being a part of it. We then spent the morning with the 11 squadron again but with the firefighters. We used the fire hose and truck before we went and watched them get a bushmaster off a car. In their training area using hydraulics and jaws of life the team of 3 were able to take the doors off the car to carefully get the casualty out as they would in a real situation. We then went into the artillery and looked at all of the guns. We learnt how to load and fully strip a MG58 MG57 and MG762. At 1300 after coming back from the mess for the final time it was sport time. Every Thursday the whole base plays competitive sports between the regiments. Majority of our work experience group chose to join in on a game of football with the rest of 2CER. It was a really great afternoon and as a group we bonded a lot more during those few hours which was really good. At the end of the day as done every week we headed to the Boozer and for the rest of the afternoon we hung with the soldiers and was really good to hear their opinions and their role in 2CER. It was an awesome way to end the amazing 4 day work experience programme in the defence force.

I really enjoyed my time down in Enoggera and I’m really glad that I took the opportunity to be a part of this experience that was so eye-opening. It is an amazing insight into the military life and their incredibly inspiring role in our country. I am without a doubt after that week keen to be in the Army!

Charlee Lawson
Year 10 Student

Year 12 News

Sports News

Senior Boys AFLX

Monday 4 November saw the third and final round of the Senior Boys AFLX competition. All three teams delivered, turning up to play despite all but three students being on exam block and not required to be at school (DEADICATION!!). Spacey’s Kadets, (who were obviously saving themselves for the finals) hadn’t won a game after the first two rounds finding themselves on the bottom of the ladder. They versed the second place team the Coolum Flyers to take their first win of the tournament, knocking out the Coolum Flyers in a nail biter wining by just 6 points (7.5.46 – 6.5.40).

The outcome of this match relegated the Coolum Flyers into 3rd place, dashing their chances of a finals upset. Best on field for game one was Calder Shanks for the Spacey’s Kadets, and Jesse Buyong for the Coolum flyers.

In the Grand Final, the Spacey’ Kadets took on the Visible Visors, a team who had snagged a grand final birth after going undefeated through rounds 1 and 2. Visible Visors with only 6 players, for the first time looked a little rattled by the competition. The Kadets put up a stellar fight but having already

Coolum Flyers played 20 minutes of footy with no subs to make the grand final, couldn’t reel in the last 4 points required to take out the competition handing the title to the Visible Visors by 4 points (4.10.34 – 4.6.30). Best on field for the Visors was Rory Cowling with Calder Shanks taking two from two being named best on field for the Kadets for the second time.

Biggest of thanks to our umpires Mr McDonough and Ms Stewart, our First Aid officer Mr McHugh, official photographer/supporter Ms Goodacre, and our fantastic goal umps Mr Nix and Mr Jones.

Visible Visors (2019 Winners)

Bus Pass Information 2020

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 2020?

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 2020 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

Coolum High School 30 Year School Reunion

Where did 30 years go? Did you know that this is the anniversary of the first graduating class of Coolum State High School? Some of the graduating students from that year are organising a reunion please see their details below:

Were you a foundation student of Coolum SHS? We are hoping all that were, even if you didn’t graduate with the class of '89 will come and celebrate the Coolum State High School 30 year reunion at the Noosa Boathouse.

Package includes cocktail style catering, welcome beverage & bar tab. Cash bar is available once bar tab is depleted.

Tickets are $77 per person. Please deposit directly into Account name- CSHS 30 year Reunion Account number- 063-097 3073 2241. Use your first initial & surname as your booking reference.

Please head to our page @coolum high class of ’89 Facebook page if you have any questions. We hope to see you and many of our Coolum SHS teachers there!

Student Contribution - Jye Parkinson

GREEN STUFF: National Recycling Week 11-17 November

In November 1996, Planet Ark founded National Recycling Week to bring a national focus to the environmental benefits of recycling. Recent bin audits here on the Sunshine Coast show that we are doing a great job of sorting our rubbish, recycling and garden waste into the correct bins, but there is always room for improvement. So here’s the lowdown on kerbside recycling:

Recycling actually does get recycled. Despite 36% of the population believing recycling goes to landfill, data shows 84 - 96% of kerbside recycling is recycled, and the remaining 4 - 16% that goes to landfill is primarily a result of the wrong thing going in the wrong bin.

Soft plastic is the main thing contaminating recycling bins. If it is plastic and you can scrunch it up then it can’t go in the yellow-top recycling bin, but you can take it to the Redcycle bin at Coles or Woolworths. It’s also the reason that you shouldn’t bag up your recyclables before putting it in the bin.

Not all plastics are made equal. The triangle symbols with numbers one to seven are used to represent the type of plastic the item is made of, but not all plastics are accepted in council kerbside recycling . On the Sunshine Coast, plastics with numbers 1 to 6 can be put in the yellow top bins. The Australian Recycling Label provides you with easy to understand recycling information, removes confusion, saves you time and reduces waste going to landfill.

If in doubt leave it out of the recycling bin. ‘Wish-cycling’ doesn’t work. Putting the wrong thing in the wrong bin can ruin your good recycling efforts.

Put it in loose. Bagging up your recyclables, like putting all your milk bottles and jars in one bag, is a no-no. It means they cannot be sorted properly and may end up in landfill instead of being recycled.

Jye Parkinson
Student

Dates for your Diary