29 May 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

A few weekends ago, we had the opportunity to vote on who we believed could best lead the country over the next few years, something all Australian citizens over the age of 18 years old are obliged to do. For educators, elections provide excellent teaching moments, and not just about the beginnings of democracy or how our government works. The very nature of being a citizen, the responsibility of choosing a government and the idea that having a voice, no matter how small it might feel, is incredibly powerful are all underlying messages the election brings forth in our classrooms. For our students, their right to an excellent education at Coolum State High School is measured against the responsibilities and high expectations of belonging to this great school, but also with their participation in the many programs and opportunities offered to them.

The Year 10s embodied this during their Work Experience week, where they not only gained insight into the kinds of careers and professions they might pursue in the future, but were on the whole praised as outstanding Coolum High ambassadors. To have local businesses and organisations commend the work ethic, behaviour and general good manners of our students is simply outstanding and a tribute to both the students, their parents and the massive amount of time and effort our teachers and staff put in to the invaluable exercise that is Work Experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those businesses who gave their time and made the effort to show our Year 10s what the world of ‘work’ looks like: what a fantastic community we have here in Coolum!

The conduct of our students during their NAPLAN tests recently is yet another outstanding examples of how Coolum kids continue to rise to the high standards expected of them. NAPLAN gives schools a ‘point in time’ check-up of how our students are doing in literacy and numeracy, though the way in which these cohorts conducted themselves during the tests has given a fantastic insight into the maturity and high levels of responsibility they hold toward their education in general. Well done Year 7 and Year 9, you have excelled yourselves!

This week, we have seen excellence thriving through our Reconciliation Week activities. The performances of the Gubbi Gubbi dancers and the Maori dance group, Te Whanau O Tutaki Marama, at our assembly were spellbinding. During Reconciliation Week we showcase our core values of Care and Respect, building our community by celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture, as well as other indigenous cultures, in our school. Coolum High is a place of inclusion and belonging for all students. By growing together, we make our school, our community and our nation stronger.

Excellence continues to thrive within our music programs also, with the introduction of our vocal program giving students a voice in an area we have only heard snippets from before. To see these students stand on stage and hear their voices as they deliver music as a polished team with absolute focus and seriousness is magnificent; they sound amazing too! The vocal program is open to all year levels and is another opportunity for students to participate in an excellent educational experience teaching them discipline, teamwork and the art of public performance, all qualities highly sought after in adult life.

Everywhere I look, I see examples of Coolum SHS’s community spirit and excellence, something which is due in no small part to the genuine participation in a myriad of activities by its students, teachers, staff and the wider community. In this way, education is something we are all obliged to participate in. No matter how small our contribution might feel, we are all teaching our fantastic students about the world and how to be the best citizen they can be in it.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7

Coolum State High School Academy Programs.

General Year 7 Enrolments 2020

Friday the 24 May was an important date for when enrolment forms for Year 7 for 2020 were due. If you have not submitted your forms, please do so immediately as we will soon commence the formation of classes for 2020.

2020 ALPHA Program

All applications for the 2020 Year 7 ALPHA program were due on the 24 May 2019. All applicants will receive an email by the Friday 31 May 2019 advising the dates and times of the next stage of the selection process. If you have applied and have not received an email by this date, please ensure you contact our school office.

Academy Applications 2020

Applications are now due for our fantastic 2020 Academies. If you have not submitted your application and still wish to be considered, please contact the school immediately.

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.

Junior Secondary assessment

As we approach the final stages of Semester 1, Junior Secondary students will be completing a number of assessment tasks for their subjects. This may range from assignments and exams, to presentations or completing practical tasks. This is a particularly important time for Junior Secondary students as they are still learning the behaviours and skills to be successful across a range of high school assessments.

As I’ve highlighted previously, one important skill that all students will benefit from is being organised. Setting in place a number of routines at school and at home will support Junior Secondary students to achieve this. Such routines could be:

• A small, but consistent, amount of time each afternoon or evening to put aside for school work. This can be for homework, assignments or exam revision (committing information to memory);
• A consistent time for going to bed each night;
• Firm but fair rules around access to devices (phones, tablets etc.) in the evenings.

Developing good routines and habits will definitely support all Junior Secondary students to be organised. Personal organisation is a skill that can be learned with a growth mindset. Remember, students who are organised often produce a higher standard of work than those who are not.

Every Day Counts

Excellent attendance for every student is a very high priority at Coolum High. We all know the benefits of regular, uninterrupted blocks of learning time for students. This is only achieved when students come to school every single day.

Whilst having days off for long weekend trips, family visits or to extend holidays may not seem like much of an issue, it all adds up. Even a student with 90% attendance will actually have 20 days (4 weeks) absent over the course of the full year!

At Coolum High, we expect students to come to every single day, barring illness or emergency, and have attendance no lower than 92%.

School jumpers for winter

As the cooler weather approaches, a reminder that the only jumper students can wear is the school jumper. 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

It has been another productive two weeks at Coolum High. This week we celebrated Reconciliation week with a formal parade and morning tea featuring Gubbi Gubbi dancers, story telling from our Coolum community and Maori Dancers. At the end of the ceremony both troupes completed a Hongi, to signify the power and importance of reconciliation for all first nations people. It was a beautiful moment for staff and students close the parade.

As we continue to work towards SET planning for year 10 students some key points for parents and students preparing for Senior pathways:

What is a QCE?

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.

Other Key Dates for your calendar:

• 2019 SET Planning Information Evening, Thursday 6 June 6:00-7:00pm in the Brahminy Kite Room (Information for Parents and students).
• Subject Expo, Wednesday 7 August, 3:30 onwards in the school Hall (Information for all students selecting subjects for 2020 with a focus on the senior phase of learning).

Fees Information: 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 Business Manager Nolly Griffiths on 5471 5333.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

As we move into the second half of term 2 it is important that all senior students are focusing and applying themselves as they prepare for the rigors of the upcoming assessment period. It is critical that senior students ensure they are well prepared thus achieving great results in their assessment pieces. This focused dedication will position them well for the remaining terms and ensure they are on track and moving towards attaining their QCE. Students that miss assessment or exams, especially for our senior students, produce a medical certificate explaining their absence. This is a part of our assessment policy and a QCAA guideline for senior assessment.

There will be no specific block exam period for year 11 this term as the vast majority are completing assignments. Year 12 block exams will commence Monday week 9 and concludes Friday week 9. Year 12 students will be been given their exam timetables in the coming weeks and are only expected to attend school for their allocated exams. All senior students should be actively studying when not required on campus.

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 children, 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. Please contact me to discuss how we can help you.

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 child 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.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

P&C News

LESS THAN 2 WEEkS TILL TRIVIA NIGHT! FRIDAY 7th June .

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!@$5.00 a head ONLY .Secure your table via the school office .

OVER $500 worth of awesome prizes to win . Vouchers from many local restaurants, WISH cards, Bendigo Bank $100 account and MORE !!

Cheap wine , bubbles and craft beer on Tap.

1980s theme . So Its Back To the Future, Girls just Want to Have Fun and just plain BAD.

Come and share the vibe

Monica Kutt
Vice President

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 Work Trade Taster Program Term 3 in-take

Due to the overwhelming success of the first Trade Taster Program with TAFE, a further in-take will be offered in Term 3. Across a 9-week fee free program, students will have the opportunity to see if a trade is the right option for them or test out a potential career path that they’re considering following in the future. Electrical, Engineering, Furniture Making and Plumbing are featured in the program.

Further information will be communicated as it becomes available around the enrolment process. Please contact me if you have any questions about this program.

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.

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 via the link below, 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)

Tutorials – Term 2

Sports News

Interschool Sport

Our Year 8 Interschool Sport teams started the season by hosting Burnside SHS. Games were moved to Coolum SHS due to Burnside’s fields being too wet. Although our Soccer games had to be cancelled, all other sports were played in great spirits.

Results:

Boys Touch – 14-0 Win
Girls Touch – 8-0 Win
Boys Basketball – 52-6 Win
Girls Basketball – 26-26 Draw
Boys Volleyball – 3-0 Loss
Girls Volleyball – 2-0 Loss

The draw is below:

• 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

Well done to our 11 surfers who attended North District Surfing trials. The following students made the team:

Rhiannon Bown – U19 Girls
Liana Walsh – U19 Girls
Finn Walsh – U16 Boys
Ashton Pignat – U16 Boys
Kai Barraclough – U16 Boys

Congratulations to Ayva-Maree Tomba and Emily Kortbawi for making the Sunshine Coast U15 Girls Rugby League team and Jordan Dodd for making the U12 Boys Softball team.

Coolum SHS Athletics Carnival

Our school athletics carnival is 25 and 26 July. Nominations are currently open for students to nominate which events they would like to participate in. Nomination sheets are on the notice board in the Hall.

Eric Smyth
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:

General News

Dates for your Diary