6 May 2021
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s Report
I was reading the Courier Mail over my cornflakes this morning when an article appeared regarding enrolment growth in Queensland’s schools. The article stated that “more than 25 schools in Queensland have seen enrolments increase by at least 40 per cent in just five years, including one that has added an extra 1000 pupils.” I naturally then looked up Coolum High to find that our enrolment growth for the last five years has been 52%. I think as a school we can be very proud of the growth in our school and the confidence the community has in us to deliver. While growth can create challenges, it also offers amazing new opportunities for our students. With our building program soon set to ramp up once more, Coolum High is well-positioned to accommodate this growth and continue to be the school of choice in our community.
Term 2 is already looking very busy and engaging for our students and staff.
So far, in just two weeks, and amongst the everyday classroom learning, we have held our ANZAC Day Ceremony, and our student leaders and Coolum Voices choir were integral to the success of the Coolum Peregian RSL Dawn Service.
School captains, Ethan and Charlotte, presented reverent and thought-provoking speeches while, in front of a massive crowd, the Coolum Voices choir performed magnificently. A large contingent of students also braved the chilly morning to join in the procession to begin the ceremony, led by our drum-line. It was wonderful to see our students receiving the well-deserved adulation of our community for their maturity and talent in playing such a major role at this most important event on our calendar.
We are currently in discussions with relevant authorities in preparation for the commencement of the many building projects which have been earmarked for Coolum High. These projects are in direct correlation to the ever increasing student enrolments at our school. It is wonderful to see that our students will continue to benefit from the government’s commitment to our school through these improvements.
It is exciting to see the hundreds of students who participate in our CAST (Clubs, Academies, Sport, Tutorials) Program each and every day. The CAST Program timetable and information can be viewed on the school website and can be seen in many strategic places around the school. I cannot encourage students enough to join in with the large range of activities on offer. All of the Clubs are free of charge and students can participate in as many of these as they like by simply turning up at the nominated area and time. Students who fully participate in school -life are far more likely to attend each and every day, and high attendance leads directly to better student outcomes.
Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 11 May. This is the perfect opportunity for parents to connect with their child’s teachers, and work together for the best possible outcome for the student.
With this event having had to be cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, we look forward to meeting as many parents as possible at the Interviews this year.
Troy Ascott
Principal
Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7
Tutorials
Tutorials have commenced again this week and will continue until the end of Week 8. They are held from 3pm to 4p each Wednesday in the library and are supported with a fruit platter from White IGA at Mt Coolum. This is a great opportunity for student to seek assistance with their studies from our wonderful staff who volunteer their time. Students are to work quietly respecting all other students who are there for assistance.
Havana West Road
The construction of the footpath on Havana Road West continues. This will be a great addition to our community to aid in promoting students walking or riding to school. As our school grow and with our limited carparks and access, we strongly encourage students to either walk, ride, or catch a bus to school.
Reading and Writing
As parents, a key strategy to assist our children to be more accomplished writers is to encourage them to read. The ability to articulately write is fundamental to success in the majority of career pathways. This cannot be stressed enough. Becoming an accomplished reader and writer begins at a young age when parents regularly engage in conversations with their children and actively encourage reading. As our children progress into secondary education, the focus on regular reading activities may not be seen by some as important as it was in their younger years. Our teenagers are still developing their skills and it is vital that we remain focused on their development through these important years. Encourage your child to read. This can be in an area of their passion. Take the time to read their work and celebrate their achievement no matter how small. From their feelings of success they will engage and reach their potential.
Attendance
Everyday matter for success in education. It is vital that students come to school every day with the exception of illness. Research has proven that it is a major contributing factor to student success. Please contact our school immediately if there are any extenuating circumstances that are making regular attendance difficult.
CAST
CAST (Clubs, Academies, Sports and Tutorials) is back up and running this term with unbelievable number of activities for students to participate in. This program allows students to experience new and or activities that they enjoy. It also allows them to meet new friends who share a similar interest. I strongly suggest that you encourage your child to get involved in the CAST activities. The full program is available on our Website and up in front of all drink bubblers.
Anthony Swan
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary
Business Services News
Statement of Accounts
This week we will email your Statement of Account which details what is outstanding on your child’s account. If you see a negative amount, that means that you are in credit OR we have adjusted your account based on non-attendance at excursion or you have received a refund for the relevant valid reason. It is important that your account is up to date and payments are made in a timely manner, to avoid your child missing out on an activity/excursion.
If you have yet to make payment towards the Student Resource Scheme of $300 I urge you to do so as soon as possible, with final payment made by preferably end of Term 2 please. If you would like to discuss your financial options please don’t hesitate to contact me, I am here to help and support you.
Academy Programs
We have started invoicing for these programs and full and final payment is due in week 5 for most Academies. For any Academy matters, please contact me or your Academy Coordinator.
Thank you to all our families for supporting our school and paying your fees on time.
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
Dates for your Diary
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TERM 2 2021 |
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5 May |
Principal’s School Tour (9am to 10am) |
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5 May |
District Cross Country Trials |
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11-14 May |
NAPLAN for Junior Students |
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10-14 May |
Year 10 Work Experience |
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16 May |
Principal’s School Tour (9am to 10am) |
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26 May |
High School Showcase Performance (visit from local Primary Schools) |
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27 May |
Principal’s School Tour (4pm to 5pm) |
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27 May – 3 June |
Reconciliation Week |
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17 June |
Year 12 Mid-Winters Ball |
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21 June |
Instrumental Music Showcase |
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24 -25 June |
School’s Track and Field Carnival |
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25 June |
Last day of the school term |
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Tutorials – Homework Club Reminder to all that we have Tutorials in the Library every Wednesday from 3:00pm – 4:15pm. Teachers from across all areas will be available for support with homework, assignments and extra assistance with class work. It has been great to see more and more students coming and we are looking forward to its ongoing success in this conducive environment with a group of fantastic teachers from all curriculum areas. Proudly supported by White’s IGA – Fresh and Local – Supporting our communities at Peregian Beach & Mount Coolum
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Tutorials – Term 2
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Getting the best out of Tutorials Term 2 Why attend Tutorials? Tutorials are designed to complement classroom lessons. In classes, content, skills and activities are presented by a teacher to a large number of students (i.e. up to 28 students). During 70 minute lessons, opportunities to have one on one time with students is limited, i.e. discuss the content and teach skills. Tutorials are less formal than classes and are conducted in smaller groups, and also one on one. Best still our teachers do this based on good will, i.e. for the students. Tutorials give you the opportunity to actively engage with the course content and get to know other students and teachers, in a relaxed and conducive environment. Questions about the information presented in the classes can be clarified, for example, how best to approach an assessment task. As a result, tutorials can improve:
You can learn from a variety of other teachers (i.e. different perspectives) and you can utilise other students’ knowledge, also known as peer tutoring. This means that tutorials can save you study time and help you to prepare for assignments and exams. Your role in Tutorials Tutorials can be stimulating and also a lot of fun. However, their success depends on the participation of the students. You will get more out of a tutorial if you:
Preparing effectively for Tutorials You need to be prepared to participate actively in your tutorials. The more preparation you do, the more valuable the tutorial will be for you. Consider:
Frequently asked questions Q. Where are tutorials held? Q. When are tutorials on? Q. Are students supervised? Q. Are students given snacks at tutorials? Q. Are tutorials for Maths and Science only? Consider forming a study group with other students to tackle studies, homework, understanding classwork and assessment tasks. Proudly supported by White’s IGA - Fresh and Local – Supporting our communities at Peregian Beach & Mount Coolum
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Bus Pass Information 2021
Do you need to apply for a school bus pass?
The Queensland Government’s School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance to enable eligible school students to attend education facilities.
There are two types of assistance available to students travelling on bus services to school:
- Distance based assistance
- Safety-net assistance
Apply for STAS online
Did you know that you can now apply online for STAS?
- One form
- Up to five children
- Any device
For more information:
http://www.qld.gov.au/schooltransportassistance
Need help with your application?
Email STASdigital.Helpdesk@tmr.qld.gov.au or call 1300 119 289 for technical assistance with your online application.
FAQs & handy tips to get you started
Once you are familiar with the application process and steps to get you started, you will find the ‘apply now’ button located towards the bottom of the STAS Apply for school transport assistance page.
After you’ve successfully lodged your application online, information will be generated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to your local CDC office in Kunda Park, Sunshine Coast or Gladstone for processing.
Please note: it is Department of Transport and Main Roads policy that STAS applications for students placed under a Child Protection Order by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services must be made using the paper application form relevant to the transport assistance. This form can be found once you commence your application online.
Bus Routes
A list of bus routes servicing Coolum State High School can be viewed on this page:
https://cdcqueensland.com.au/school-services/coolum-state-high-school/
Parents can also contact us by phone 07 847 666 22 or email info.sunshinecoast@cdcbus.com.au