5 February 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to what will be a fantastic year in 2020!

We are always so grateful for the holidays, a time to unwind, relax and reconnect with family and friends. A time to spend at the beach, climb mountains, eat out at our fabulous local restaurants and generally, enjoy the amazing area we live in. But this year was different. This year, there was an air of uncertainty, disbelief and worry as we watched the bushfires tear through millions of hectares of land, destroying homes, our unique wildlife and lives. And although not in the news so much lately, the fires continue to burn and wreak havoc throughout the southern states.

But the shining light in all of this tragedy is the support given by so many in Australia, and around the world. So many people have volunteered to help those left with nothing, become wildlife carers and volunteer firefighters. It is this support that will allow those whose lives have been so dramatically affected, concentrate on what they need to do to rebuild.

With the start of the school year also came the novel Coronavirus, again putting uncertainty in the minds of the entire population. It has not been the start to a new year that we are used to.

However, at Coolum SHS, we have much to look forward to this year. The school has enrolled a record number of students in Year 7. Over 300 students have begun their secondary education with us, along with many other students across all year levels, bringing the total of our entire school population to almost 1350 students. With this number of students in one place comes challenges, and change is inevitable. It is no longer physically or logistically possible to continue with some of the processes, which were implemented when the school had a population of 700 students. And other procedures have had to have been put in place to cater for this extraordinary growth.

While we understand that change can be difficult and not always agreed by everyone, we need the support of parents to ensure that school’s processes and policies are followed. This will allow our teachers to focus on our core business of teaching and learning, enabling each and every one of our students to achieve to their highest individual level.

In 2020, We will continue with the incredibly successful Reading to Learn Program, the Essential Skills for Classroom Management, expanding our CAST (Curriculum, Academies, Sport and Tutorial) Program, offering more opportunities than ever before to our students.

In September, our ALPHA students will travel to NASA for the first time. This is an incredibly exciting adventure, and the students involved are very much looking forward to where this amazing opportunity can take them in the future.

Our Meet the Teacher Parent Information Session has something for everyone and is scheduled for Wednesday 19 February from 5.00pm – 7.00pm. Each year level will receive specific information about the most important aspects to know. More information about this event will be posted on Facebook.

We have also engaged world renowned Coolum local relationship expert, keynote speaker, author, storyteller, recovering worrywart and international speaker, Toni Powell. Toni will present a highly entertaining Parent Session on Wednesday 29 February.

Toni has shared the stage with the likes of the Dalai Lama, Brene Brown and Ruby Wax. and works with companies and educational institutes such as Monash University, Geelong Grammar and Allianz.

Toni is a highly sought after speaker on happiness, gratitude and relationships, after making changes to her own life. We will keep you up to date with more information regarding this session through Facebook, emails and newsletters.

There is so much happening this year and we look forward to meeting as many parents as possible at both the Meet the Teachers and Toni Powell’s Sessions.

We are concerned about the number of students who have not been wearing a helmet when riding their bikes. We ask that all parents ensure that if your child rides a pushbike to and from school, that they are wearing a properly secured helmet. Obviously this is not only legally required, but most importantly, a safety issue. Our students are precious and we need to make sure that they are as safe as possible at all times.

2020 is already shaping up to be the best yet for our students, school and community. We have so much to look forward to.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7

It is exciting start to the year at Coolum State High School with over 300 Year 7 students. This progressive school is achieving great pathways for students with our highly motivated teachers. It will be a great year for these new students as it will be for all students at Coolum SHS.

Our excellent Academy programs are starting to fire up again. In addition to Instrumental Music, Surfing, Basketball, Touch, Cheerleading and Young Entrepreneurs, we will also be starting 2020 with three new Developmental Academies. These are AFL, Chess and Netball. The fantastic success in 2019 of the existing programs has laid the foundation for continued excellence in 2020.

It was wonderful to see our students smartly presented in their formal uniforms on their first day of school. It demonstrated the pride they have in themselves and their school. With the welcoming staff and pleasant students, the transition for our new Year 7 students has been wonderful.

Meet the Teacher Evening on Wednesday 19 February. We would like to welcome all families to our Meet the Teacher evening. The evening will commence at 5:30pm in the hall before the families break off into year level gatherings. After the year level gatherings, we would like everyone to meet in the Year 7 area where our hardworking P&C will have a BBQ and refreshment available. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Year 10/11/12: ATAR system, QCE
Year 8/9: Subject selections
Year 7: Welcome to high school.

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.

Welcome back

2020 promises to be an exciting year at Coolum High. This year I am looking after Year 9 students and working with the faculties of Maths, Hpe, Student Services and Teaching & Learning.

Our Year 9 students are a wonderful cohort and I believe they will achieve big things in 2020. We have started the year with over 265 Year 9 students! There is enormous potential in this group as we keep our focus on learning, behaviour and attendance throughout the year.

Swimming Carnival

Our first major sports event for the year, the swimming carnival, takes place on Friday 7 February at the Coolum-Peregian aquatic centre. I look forward to seeing our students participate, have fun and set some fast times to progress to the district level. It will be a great event and Miss Fiducioso and Mrs Tatnell have been busily organising this carnival for the students.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal –Senior Secondary Year 10

Excellence in everything we do

Every Day Counts!

It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you all back to 2020 as Deputy Principal Middle Senior Schooling and Inclusion. I am looking forward to working with and celebrating the successes of our senior learners in 2020, in particular Year 10.

Our consistent message to all students at Coolum High this year is: academic excellence occurs when students have excellent attendance. At Coolum SHS we have an attendance goal of 92+%. We are committed, at every level of schooling, to students taking responsibility for their attendance and will continue to support students and families to ensure the best individual attendance outcomes for every student.

In addition to the strong attendance in the senior school our students are looking fantastic in their school uniform. We know that wearing a uniform creates a strong sense of community. Many have written about the direct correlation between students wearing a uniform with pride and a deep respect for fellow students, teachers and the community in which they grow up in. We also know that wearing a uniform in a corporate, professional manner prepares students for a range of workplace expectations for suitable dress.

At Coolum State High School, we are committed to students looking their best, doing their best and achieving the success they need in order to reach the ambitious goals they set for themselves.

I am looking forward to working with you all in 2020 and seeing all the wonderful achievements that our students will gain this year.

Emma Clarke
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary Year 10

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 11 & 12

Firstly welcome back to the 2020 school year, the Christmas holidays are now are distant memory as we move quickly into Term 1. During the first weekend of the Christmas holidays Coolum SHS received news that the 2019 Year 12 OP students achieved the best OP results ever in the history of the school, surpassing 2018’s excellent results. These amazing results were in addition to the 100% QCE already achieved earlier in Term 4. The 2019 school dux, Olivia Williams, achieved Queensland’s top result an OP1 an outstanding achievement. These results alone highlight the massive improvements we have made in senior schooling at Coolum SHS and we will use this momentum as a foundation for further success in 2020.

The senior schooling team and teachers of senior classes have hit the ground running from day one to ensure we emulate the successes of 2019. The senior schooling team is comprised of the senior schooling deputy principal, senior schooling head of department, vocational education and training head of department, guidance councillors and heads of year who have developed a clear agenda for the year that focuses on student support, destinations and excellent student outcomes. In 2020 we have set some challenging goals to ensure we continue our journey of continual improvement. Coolum SHS is again committed to obtaining 100% QCE and achieving the best academic results in the school’s history. In addition to this we aspire to ensure that every graduating Year 12 student transitions into a meaningful destination.

The senior schooling team will continue to work hard to ensure students are fully aware of their academic performance. As we move quickly through the term it is important that all students are developing good time management skills and study habits. We recommend that for those students on an ATAR pathway study upward of 3 hours a day. This will give students the foundation to be successful in their chosen subjects.

Bring Your Own Laptop program (BYOD)

Now that we have started the 2020 school year, it is important to reiterate the message that at Coolum SHS all students in Years 7-12 need to bring their own laptops fully charged and ready to use.

We have over the last few years been decommissioning and removing computer labs as hardware goes past its life cycle as more students bring their own laptops. Subject areas 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 using ICT’s. 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.

It is has always been our philosophy that we want to ensure every student receives a first class education at Coolum SHS and the use of the students laptop will help ensure students stay abreast to the ever changing technology landscape. If you would like to discuss in more detail the technology requirements of students, 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

Student Resource Scheme 2020

What a great start to our year, with a high number of families choosing to participate in the Scheme. The cost remains at $300 for the year, please visit our website for more information on the Scheme and what your contribution covers. It’s suffice to say that without this support we would not be able to provide the essential teaching and learning resources that our students need on a daily basis. We are thrilled at your response and are very grateful for your on-time payment of this very worthwhile Scheme.

Subject Fees

It is also a crucial time for you to finalise your child’s subject paying fees. Subject paying fees can only operate if we have payment from all participating families, so we can purchase the resources required for the subject to run. There are also non fee-paying subjects that your child can choose, please ensure you speak to the relevant teacher and Deputy about your options. We have a range of financial arrangements for you to access if you are experiencing financial hardship, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your situation.

You will receive in week 3 this term, your Statement of Account which will be emailed to you. We request that you please make payment of any outstanding amount on subject fees in order to secure a place in that subject.

Summer Works and Maintenance Program

We have had a lot of minor works and maintenance programs occur around our buildings, ground and facilities over the summer break. I’m pleased to advise that our carpets were cleaned, annual pest works were performed, gutters cleared, painting completed to all external buildings and amenities and the very big job of all buildings cleaned inside and out by our wonderful cleaners! This involves extensive window and louvre cleaning, pressure cleaning paths and walls, cobwebs removed, window sills cleaned, ceilings and fans wiped down and so much more. Our school would not look so good were it not for our cleaning and facilities staff – thank you to their hard work!

The school was also fortunate to have been able to improve its grounds near the F block, with the clearing of unused bush to make way for lush, green artificial turf. With our rapidly growing enrolments, it was vital to find more space in our school for our students to sit, eat and play. Our year 8 students have been allocated this area and they are loving it! The trees continue to provide shade and our connection to nature. A great success for the school this year already!

We also upgraded the boys and girls change rooms with new paint, new cubicles, and new fixtures and fittings. I am sure our students will appreciate the upgrade to these amenities. We’ve also added some roofing to some structures around the school, to increase undercover areas during periods of rain, again in response to our growing numbers!

Our new ‘design and health’ building will be finished late August this year and we are already planning how we will utilise this modern new space. We are excited to be moving in this year and I know the students and staff will really enjoy this added facility. We look forward to wonderful student learning taking place in there and we can’t wait to reveal it to you in due course.

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

P&C News

A warm welcome from the P and C Association at Coolum State High School to all the new families that have joined our community in 2020. We encourage you to become involved with us, whether it is giving your time with fundraising efforts or volunteering at the The Sea Breeze Canteen. Your help makes all the difference and really goes a long to supporting our students and staff at Coolum State High.

We are excited about the new healthy and tasty food offerings this year - the added options will offer a greater variety for all students and staff. I am sure you will love the updated menu - with old favourites and new additions!

Part of our role of the P and C Association is to support our school as much as we can, in all different ways. We had a very successful 2019 and we are looking forward to supporting our school in 2020 through a number of initiatives and events. Support to the school could include the purchase of musical equipment; teaching and learning resources; upgrades to facilities; and providing financial assistance to help students and families in academic, sporting, and cultural endeavours. We are very proud that we are a small part of supporting local businesses too, through our purchases of produce and buying local whenever possible. This is another way of giving back to our community including the volunteering work we do at the Association.

We look forward to meeting you at the Meet the Teacher evening on Wednesday, February 19 and if you can help out at the P and C sausage sizzle we would appreciate that too! We also need your help at a very important event - the Colour Explosion Run! This fun event will be held in conjunction with the school Cross Country. This will be held on the last day of Term 1 - Friday, April 3. Contact us now and we can let you know how you can help. Stay tuned for further details!

We cannot do this alone and we need your help! Please contact us at pancexecutive@coolumshs.eq.edu.au. Any time you can offer is highly valued, even if it is for an hour, it all counts and is appreciated. Look forward to working with you all in 2020!

Monica Kutt
Secretary P&C Association
Coolum State High School

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Tracy Ford
Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Sports News

This Friday is our Swimming Carnival for 2020. Yuroka (yellow), Binyama (Red), Carcoola (green) and Waringa (Blue) will battle it out to be House Champion. Age Champions are on offer as well as fun novelty races for students to compete in. Swimmers who finish 1st or 2nd in their race can expect to represent the school at the North District Swimming Carnival on 19 Feb. We encourage all students to compete by submitting a permission and nomination form.

Classes are not on for Year 7 students as we expect all Year 7s to be at the pool. Students in Years 8 – 12 have nominated and classes will be run as normal for students not electing to go to the Swimming Carnival. There will be a canteen running and a $2 sausage sizzle. Students are encouraged to wear their House colours and adhere to the Sun Safety policy by wearing a shirt when they are not racing as well as a hat and sunscreen.

Representative Sport trials that are still currently open and will close tomorrow:

• 10 – 19 Boys and Girls Golf
• 10 – 12 Years Boys and Girls Softball
• 10 – 12 Years Boys and Girls Basketball
• 13 – 19 Years Boys and Girls Softball
• 13 – 19 Years Boys and Girls Tennis
• 13 – 17 Years Boys and Girls Water Polo

Upcoming trials that will be open to nomination either this week or next week include:

• 10 – 12 Years Girls AFL
• 10 – 12 Years Boys AFL
• 13 – 15 Years Boys and Girls AFL
• 14 – 15 Years Girls Rugby League
• 16 – 18 Years Girls Rugby League
• 16 – 18 Years Boys and Girls Basketball
• 14 – 15 Years Boys Rugby League
• 16 – 18 Years Boys Rugby League
• 15 – 16 Years Girls Rugby 7s
• 13 – 15 Years Girls Soccer
• 13 – 16 Years Boys Soccer
• 16 – 19 Years Girls Soccer
• 17 – 19 Years Boys Soccer
• 13 – 15 Years Girls Netball
• 16 – 19 Years Girls Netball
• 17 – 18 Years Boys Rugby Union
• 13 – 19 Years Boys and Girls Hockey

See below a rep school sport pathways summary for your information.

Mr Eric Smyth
Sport Co-ordinator

Instrumental Music News

Student contribution by Callum White

Some people ask me what music means to me. I see it as a way of telling stories and connecting people together. All music that songwriters produce makes us feel different emotions and feelings to connect us with their story. That is the art of Music.

I am very passionate about Music (as you can probably tell) and I’m super excited to announce that I will be one of the captains of the instrumental music academy program at Coolum State High School for 2020 along with Jemima Bainbridge, Andrew Muirhead and Oliver Sweetman.

I am very proud to be able to work beside the very talented, dedicated students and the hard-working, invested music teachers in the wind symphony, the new Concert Band and the String Orchestra. The effort, the time and most importantly: the care, respect and excellence that all of the students put into the work they do in Music is phenomenal and I couldn’t be happier to support them this year.

2020 will be our biggest year yet. A huge number of students have enrolled into the instrumental music academy. Even more have enrolled at Coolum State High School wanting to do music as an endeavour and a future pathway, which is amazing. And with so many opportunities, showcases and events on the horizon - why wouldn’t they?

Whether you want to play your favourite musical instrument with a team of dedicated students, learn in a classroom using professional software to create your own music, or you simply have a passion for singing your heart out (because I do), Coolum State High School can cater for your chosen musical ambition.

Have a very good 2020!

Technology Department News

Welcome back to 2020!

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety in the workshop, all students accessing the workshop classrooms in Year 9 to 12 will be bringing home a permission form to be able to access the rooms and machines that have a higher than normal risk rating. We’d very much appreciate the return of these permission forms as soon as possible so that the students can access the workshops for their classes.

Students in workshop classes are required to wear eye protection at all times. Students with longer hair need to take measures to ensure that it is tied back and away from machines (hair nets will be supplied when students forget to bring their own hair tie). In some rooms, students will be directed to wear ear protection while louder machines are in use. While all safety equipment is provided for students, you are more than welcome to organise for them to bring their own safety equipment if you would prefer.

Glenn Blair
HOD Technology (Acting)

International Student Program

In 2020, our school community has commenced their international friendships and engaging in cultural exchanges! As well as welcoming students from Germany, Chile, Japan, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, and Brazil, we will be welcoming students from Taiwan and South Korea.

March 8-19 2020, we are pleased to welcome the Fujishiro High School (Japan) study tour group into school life. The students are aged between 15-17 years old (boys and girls). We present the opportunity for families in our community, to host one or two of these students. Host families and the visiting students find the cultural exchange opportunity very enjoyable.

The ISP Program offers our students, families and community an opportunity for cultural exchange with students from other countries and developing global connections and friendships. Of course, we also have the privilege of showing off our wonderful part of the world. Host families receive remuneration (hosting fees).

Our Homestay families are really excited to host the international students and walk them through their journey of living the Australian way of life. For more information regarding the homestay experience, please contact Ms Terri Shine on 5471 5303 or 0418 185 809, or email tshin0@eq.edu.au

WEP Australia is excited to announce five new student exchange scholarship opportunities! Please share the attached flyer with your students to encourage them to learn more about living and learning abroad.

WEP’s Going Green Scholarships are available for semester and year student exchange programs departing between July and September 2020.

World Education Program (WEP) is an Australian not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered with the education departments/regulatory authorities. Each year, we send hundreds of Australian high school students around the world.

WEP exchanges are first and foremost academic programs with students attending school full-time. As such, we rely on the support of Australian schools and teachers to inform students about exchange opportunities.

Please find attached a flyer for inclusion in your student notices. An electronic version is available here

Students can find out more about their exchange opportunities by requesting an information pack at WEP.ORG.AU

In 2019 more than 18,000 students participated in TAFE Queensland's TAFE at School program from more than 500 schools across the state. Many of these students benefited from VET in Schools (VETiS) funding, making their program fee free.

With the new year comes even more opportunities. In 2020, an exciting transition for the higher education landscape in Queensland will occur with Year 12 graduates receiving ATARs for the first time. Through these changes, one thing remains the same — we're here, as always, to help your students meet their education and employment goals. From our TAFE at School courses through to pathways to further education and post-school employment, TAFE Queensland is with you every step of the way.

This newsletter features Denzel Carlos; a 19-year-old who, thanks to the free apprenticeships for under 21s initiative, has been employed and is now working towards becoming a master barber.

We will also take a look at some of our most popular TAFE at School courses for 2020, as there is still time for your students to apply and get a head start on their careers.

Finally, we are excited to share our QTAC application schedules for selection ranks for vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. These will be in effect for those who have already completed a VET qualification and are applying for a post-school TAFE Queensland course from 2021.

From all of us here at TAFE Queensland, we hope you had a relaxing holiday period and are ready to make great happen in 2020.

Warm regards,

Ana Rodger
General Manager, East Coast Region
TAFE Queensland

Free apprenticeship for young barber

A natural with clippers and a blade, Denzel Carlos initially didn't know what his future career path would hold.

Featured courses for 2020

Help your students get more out of high school with our range of TAFE at School courses.

Some of our most popular courses across the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Burnett regions include:

• Certificate I in Construction (CPC10111)
• Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20413)
• Certificate II in Plumbing (52700WA)
• Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216)
• Certificate II in Sport and Recreation (SIS20115)
• Certificate II in Tourism (SIT20116)

With so many options available, see where TAFE can take your students in 2020.

QTAC application schedules for selection ranks

When applying for tertiary study via QTAC for 2021 and beyond, each education provider will have their own policies for entry in relation to VET qualifications and subjects. At TAFE Queensland we will continue to recognise VET qualifications completed during or after high school.

Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools program (AGISP)

The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools program (AGISP) was developed to combat skills shortages across agribusinesses and improve the attraction and retention of a skilled employees to ensure a sustainable workforce into the future.

In 2020 the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools program (AGISP) Scholarship Initiative is on offer again for all schools in Queensland. Each successful school applicant will receive $5,000 to put towards a specific project in the Agriculture sector. This may include STEM associated and Augmented Reality projects also.

We can't wait to see where TAFE can take your students in 2020. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can assist you in any way.

School Engagement Officer

Will Holmes
Email: will.holmes@tafe.qld.edu.au
Phone: 07 5457 1169

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 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

Are you teaching someone how to drive?

Want some advice on how best to prepare your learner and keep them safe on the road?

If you’re interested in learning the important first steps in how to teach your learner driver and ensure they are safe and proficient drivers, book into the next workshop (details provided below) or contact Helenea for more information on 0417 733 906.

Planning for Success: Workshop details (bookings are essential)

Date: Thursday 20 February 2020
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: Maroochydore area – venue and address details provided at time of booking
Bookings: To book, contact Helenea from the Road Safety team on 0417 733 906

Dates for your Diary