11 December 2019
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s Report
Dear Parents,
With just a few days to go in the school year and staff and students finally beginning to see the holidays in their sights, now is a pertinent time to reflect on what has been a great year for Coolum State High School.
Over the past twelve months we have worked hard on our uniform, our attendance and most importantly, our achievements throughout the entire student population. The Coolum and Peregian communities have been magnificently supportive in countless different ways and there is an air of positive expectation around our campus. Our Year 12s all graduated with their QCE and we have recorded the highest QCS Test mean in the history of our school. Things are looking bright!
Our students have excelled across the academic, sporting and cultural arenas with a record number achieving personal highlights. We have seen the most Gold and Silver Awards at our Celebration of Excellence, more Age Champions and District Athletics records than ever before, our Senior and Junior Debating teams have blown us, and many private school teams, away with their maturity and commitment to the art of persuasive arguing. Each and every student who has achieved these results should unreservedly be extremely proud of themselves, as we are!
Coolum High has been such a warm and caring place to be. Each day, I see our students forming relationships that will be a foundation stone for their lives – living in a community as close-knit and friendly as Coolum and Peregian is a genuine privilege. Each day, our students grow on the back of the support they receive from our whole community.
And with that, now at the end of yet another year, we wish everyone a fabulous summer holiday; a time to relax and, spend with family and friends. We look forward to 2020 and continuing on from where we leave off - on our path to excellence.
Troy Ascott
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.
2019 – A great year in Junior Secondary!
This year has been a fantastic year in Junior Secondary at Coolum State High School. Through high expectations and a determination to reach excellence, we have seen many great achievements.
Coolum High students 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 were also 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. Our teachers have again truly lifted in 2019 and our students have shown us what they are capable of.
There has also undoubtedly been a continued improvement in our standards of uniform and behaviour. The pride and presentation of students in their uniforms is tremendous, and incidents of misbehaviour continue to decrease, despite more students enrolled at our school. This is clear evidence of what we have been focussing on for a couple of years – when high standards and expectations are coupled with the support of the Coolum-Peregian community, our students can achieve anything.
A number of dedicated teachers have been involved in the Boys @Coolum taskforce. This group has spent 2019 quietly looking at educational research from all over the world to find ways to improve outcomes for boys at Coolum High, particularly in Junior Secondary. This will be an exciting space in 2020.
We will continue to work hard to repay the trust shown in us by our Coolum-Peregian community. It is amazing to think that we will have 800 students just in Junior Secondary in 2020!
With 2019 almost behind us, we can all enjoy our holidays over the Christmas break, and look to 2020 with great enthusiasm and anticipation.
Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary
Business Services News
Thank you for your support this year. We have worked very hard here at Coolum High to create a culture of excellence in everything we do; from how we wear our uniforms to exemplary behaviour right through to a positive paying culture. This means ensuring all your accounts are up to date and there is no debt on your account. To run a successful school, starting the year with current amounts is very important to the school’s financial health. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation as we make this school great.
Finalising your 2019 account
We require all accounts are brought up to date and payments are finalised for 2019 so that your account is current for 2020. Please note that if a negative amount appears on your statement this indicates that you are in credit OR we have provided an adjustment to your account. If there is no negative, it means you owe the amount.
Student Resource Scheme 2020
Thank you for returning your signed SRS forms for 2020, we have started invoicing the $300 fee. If you have not returned your SRS 2020 form please do so as soon as possible. Without your contribution and payment, it makes the purchase of much-needed resources more difficult.
Let’s work together to provide the best teaching and learning resources, equipment and facilities for our students. Paying your fees on time and in full is one of the ways that you can contribute to making their school experience even better. Your contribution is very valuable and we thank you for your participation in the scheme. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s account.
Year 10 SET Planning
Thank you to all the families that have finalized their student’s subject fees. Final payments are now due. If you have not made full payment by this time, your student may have to select non-fee subjects.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our major sponsors for next year, Tribal Sport, Higgins Coatings, and UltraTune Coolum. Their sponsorship and support of our school will be invaluable and I look forward to working with them for the benefit of our school community.
I wish all our families a safe and happy holiday season. I hope you will have the chance to relax and unwind, ready for another exciting year at Coolum High.
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 last article for 2019, ‘The Science of Happiness’
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The Science of Happiness! What if the secret to happiness was right in front of you all this time but you failed to see it? For many, happiness lies in wealth, the accumulation of things or success, however defined. But are you aware that joy is now measurable. Researchers are now able to watch the brain and measure hormone changes, endorphin levels, blood oxygen and what happens when people connect with one another through language and facial mannerisms. Neuroscience is telling us that it's actually the obvious things that make us happy and improve our health. Some of these things are echoed in wisdom from previous generations…always look on the bright side, laughter is the best medicine, and smile and the world smiles with you. Some are so obvious that we often overlook them — the importance of smiling, laughing, singing and dancing, as well as friends, family, fun, exercise, sunshine, children, community and celebration. These are the things that elevate our moods, strengthen our immune systems, lengthen our lives and actually change our body and neuro-chemistry. Importantly, most of the things noted above are free and the truly exciting part is that we can get much better at cultivating joy and happiness. Although we place tremendous importance on the pursuit of happiness, it is the pursuing of joy itself that may prove more rewarding. There are subtle differences between the two given that happiness is an ephemeral concept and joy is actually quite measurable. Researchers looking at the brain in action are often amazed at how much of it is dedicated to positive emotion, or joy. The key is engaging those regions of the brain and doing so is not all that difficult. Here are a few ways to release powerful chemicals that can literally bring you joy and happiness. First of all, have fun and find ways to continue having fun. Neuroscience is telling us that fun is healthy, a powerful stress reliever and increases immunity and social connection. This is because fun, or play, is the source of some critical positive behaviours like laughter, bonding, smiling and humour. One study in the United States found that even the anticipation of laughter and a good time causes a momentary increase in immune function. Therefore, even thinking about having fun is good for you. Second, sing, even if you cannot because singing improves health and longevity. A scientific study of choir members showed they had fairly stunning increases in immune function before and after performances. The global insurance giant AIG advocates that regular singing can add sixteen years to your life. So sing…even if you cannot hold a tune there's always the shower. Third, learn to lighten up and make sure your cup is always half full…seriousness is a manifestation of permanent stress. While many of us get told to lighten up when we get too serious, science is arriving at similar conclusions. Seriousness is usually signalled by the promotion of stress, a lack of a sense of humour and a resentment of fun. Cardiologists at the University of Maryland believe an overly serious attitude leads to heart disease and they are in the midst of proving it. Seriousness itself mimics stress reactions where blood vessels tighten and the often damaging hormone cortisol seeps into the bloodstream. It is also important to remember to look on the brighter side and think positively. Positive thinking is one of the key components of cognitive therapy, an effective and non-medical approach to counter depression. The newest research available also suggests that meditation, mindfulness and a positive outlook can fight depression and elevate mood. And finally, please remember that joy and happiness are contagious. Research tells us that positive emotion creates more positive emotion. A large study was published in the British Medical Journal by an American research group which analysed data looking for happiness trends and found that happy people passed on their cheer to people they didn't personally know. Moreover, this transferred happiness lasted for up to a year and often passing on happiness was as easy as just smiling and saying hello. Sometimes life gets a bit chaotic and stressful but it is comforting to know that the stressors we face can easily be combated and we can help those around us in times of difficulty in the simplest of ways. As the year draws to a close and you perhaps find yourself in a congested parking lot trying to get things for the festive season, try to stay calm and keep in mind that the brain can be a very powerful mechanism towards overall well-being…so when you can, smile lots, sing often, laugh out loud and have as much fun as possible. Dr Michael C Nagel PhD |
Stationery Orders for 2020
Online Ordering is Now Live
Book packs for 2020 can now be ordered online with Kookaburra.
Please login @ the below website – click ‘order a student pack‘ (top middle of screen) and use the Username and password below :
http://www.kookaburra.com.au/
Username: COOLU005 (The first 5 characters are letters and the last 3 characters are numbers)
Password: Student9 (Please note: this password is case sensitive. The first 8 characters are letters and the last 2 characters are numbers)
For more detailed information and instructions click the link below:
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?
A: 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?
A: 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?
A: 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
Dates for your Diary
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TERM 4 2019 |
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12 December |
Principal Tour 9.00am |
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13 December |
Last Day of school 2019 |
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28 January 2020 |
First Day of Term 1 2020 |