13 May 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

It is always exciting, and very often humbling, to hear of our past students’ successes. Over the years, there have been many students who have gone on to do amazing things in their lives – rewarding, hard-earned and sometimes, very selfless careers. It is also inspiring for our current students to see where commitment and dedication can lead.

Last week, Isabella Nichols won the Margaret River Pro. Isabella graduated in 2015 and is an extraordinary young lady, who successfully committed herself to her studies, all while navigating the surfing world with a goal of achieving a place on the professional circuit.

Isabella had a number of hiccups along the way, but with a steely resolve and commitment, she never gave up on her dream. With her win last week, Isabella is now number 4 in the world! An extraordinary, and well-deserved achievement. Congratulations Isabella!

Lucy Senior graduated in 2010 and recently featured on the ABC's Australian Story. Lucy’s story is amazing and awe-inspiring.

By her own admission, Lucy struggled at school. She didn’t expect to graduate Year 12, let alone go on to university, but she did both. It wasn’t until her first year of university that she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Three years later, Lucy was also diagnosed with ADHD. And with that, her world started to make more sense.

Lucy is now a teacher in Blackall, western Queensland, and has built her own ‘tools’ to cope with her learning disabilities, and is a strong advocate for students with similar neurodiversity.

Lucy is an incredibly valued member of the Blackall community and the school with her extensive knowledge of her own disabilities, and what is needed to learn and succeed. She is making it her life goal to help her students understand their disabilities, and how to navigate them to be successful.

The world would be so much better if we had more ‘Lucys’ in it. What an incredible story of quiet achievement, self-awareness, and empathy for others.

Lucy and Isabella are perfect examples of being successful in their chosen fields. Through their continued dedication and commitment to their goal, they will be shining examples to our current students of living a life of choice, not one of chance.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 7 and 8

Welcoming Future Year 7’s

The High School Showcase last week saw over 300 Year 6 students from both Coolum Primary School and Peregian Springs Primary attend Coolum High school for a display of talent and curriculum excellence. Mr Olsen demonstrated a science demonstration that raised students’ hair – literally. Alice Dwight and Sienna McRitchie performed songs that wowed the students while resident shredder Liam O’Dwyer (pictured below) electrified the audience with his “soft” rock ballad performance. The primary students left excited and looking forward to adventures of 2023 at Coolum SHS.

Parent Information Sessions have been conducted at both Primary Schools and enrolments for Year 7 are due Friday 20 May which can be submitted at the Administration Office. ALPHA Applications are also due for 2023 and can be downloaded from the school website, and must be lodged at the Administration Office no later than Friday 20 May 2022.

Liam O’Dwyer electrified the audience with his “soft” rock ballad performance

NAPLAN NEWS

Congratulations Year 7’s on NAPLAN participation. Students were overwhelmingly positive in their care and effort in participating in the first online version of this test at Coolum High School.

Thank you to all families for supporting such a positive attitude in your child with charged laptops and eager approach to learning. Catch up exams will be made available to all students as of email sent on Thursday 12 May 2022.

YONDR

Last week saw all the Heads of Year welcome students at front gates, and a Yondr Pouch inspection. It was widely reported that nearly all students had their phone pouch and should be recognised for their efforts in making their school day focussed on learning. Year 7 and 8 students have been excellent at creating a phone free environment. If your child needs to purchase a new pouch at any stage this can be done at the Administration Office for $11.00. Large size pouches are now available.

CAST and Homework Centre

Please be aware that lunch time activities are being offered to students next week including a range of sporting activities and a new Yoga class. Homework Centre is also running again this term operating out of the library on Wednesdays 3pm – 4pm. Students must be registered to attend and specialist teacher help is available upon request. A big thank you to our local Peregian IGA for providing healthy snacks on these afternoons.

Lisa Fowler
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Year 7 and 8

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 9

NAPLAN online

For the first time, every Year 7 and 9 child around the nation has completed the NAPLAN exams using an online platform. Students of Coolum State High School and particularly the Year 9 students, have really embraced the change and have done an amazing job in each of the exams. Students have completed a different exam each day with the numeracy exam being their last.

For students who have parent permission to sit NAPLAN exams, and have been absent for any part of the process, catch-up sessions will be conducted as detailed below. Students will receive this information each day to ensure maximum engagement. Students will need to ensure they are available to sit these exams on the required day:

• Friday 13 May - Reading, Lesson 3, G Block
• Monday 16 May - Writing, Lesson 2, G Block
• Tuesday 17 May - Convention of Language, Lesson 2, G Block
• Wednesday 18 May - Numeracy, Lesson 2, G Block
• Friday 20 May - All tests conducted throughout the day, G Block

Year level assessment calendars

Parents should have received the year level assessment calendars for Term 2 this week. These calendars are a great way of knowing what assessment tasks your child / children have throughout the term. If your child has concerns regarding assessment deadlines, they need to communicate the concern to the Head of Department as soon as possible.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Year 9

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary Year 10 and 11

Year 11 - 2023

I would like to advise all families of current Year 10 students, that a parent information session for Year 11 - 2023 is being held on Wednesday 01 June. The event will run in the school’s PA theatre from 5:30pm – 6:30pm.

This information session will cover a variety of topics including senior pathway options and details about Senior Education and Training (SET) Planning.

Senior Subject Information Books for 2023 will be available later this term – just in time to have a look over during the holidays. This is a great opportunity to continue discussions about the best pathways to success for your child and what subjects are necessary to achieve those goals.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Year 10 and 11

Deputy Principal – Senior Secondary Year 12

Year 12

Term 2 is proving to be another term full of drafting, assessment, class work, more rain, and activities for our Year 12 group. With the implementation of the YONDR pouches, it was fantastic to see our 12’s out and about playing and interacting with each other. The school has purchased sports and games equipment for students to easily access during break times. The sense of connection, fun and wellbeing has been amazing to see. We hope to continue to see this grow over the year.

ANZAC Day

Our Year 12 students woke early on Monday 25 April to attend the Coolum-Peregian RSL for the Dawn Service. School Captains, Jake and Taylah, spoke with confidence and commitment to their past relatives who served in the Defence Force, and a future they both hope to pursue in that field. Thank you to everyone who came along and to our wonderful performer, Chelsea, for singing beautifully at the ceremony.

Events

Term 2 is always busy, with events planned such as the Hello World Excursion on Wednesday Week 10, and the MidWinter Ball. As communicated with parents and students, we do have expectations that need to be met for students to be invited to the Ball. These include:

• Fees –all fees paid or payment plan in place, and
• On track for a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), and
• Appropriate behaviour (in school and on excursions, suspensions)
• Attendance – 92% or higher.

Fees will not be discussed with students, therefore we ask parents/carers to call the Administration Office directly. If you recently received an invoice, payment – or a payment plan – will need to be arranged. We thank you in advance for working with us on this.

The Midwinter Ball will take place on Thursday 9 June, with the Red Carpet Arrival at the school from 4:30pm. There will be an opportunity for professional photographs with MSP Photography. The photos can be purchased after the event. Students will then board a coach at 6:00pm to the Maroochy RSL Ballroom and will return to Coolum State High School at approximately 10:30pm. Payment for the event of $125 must be made by all invited students no later than 3.00pm Friday 26 May. Payment options are:

• in person at the Administration Office (cash or credit card)
• via bank transfer (BSB: 064 424 Account Number: 10357211. Please use your child's name as a reference.)

Invitations have been distributed to students who meet all criteria, and an appeals process has commenced with the Deputy Principal and Heads of Year 12 for those students who don’t yet meet all criteria. If you have any questions about any aspect of the Midwinter Ball, please email Heads of Year 12, Mrs Patti Williams (pwill97@eq.edu.au) or Mr Dan Palmer (dtpal0@eq.edu.au).

Results and Attendance

The Year 12 Team conducted an audit to ensure students are on track for their QCE. The results for many of our cohort is outstanding. We are pleased with the performance and commitment to their learning. In Year 12, it is absolutely vital that students attend each and every day. We understand that there may be times where your student may be unwell, please communicate with the school in every instance so we can provide support for them.

Year 12 is a very busy year and we will keep you up-to-date with your child’s progress throughout the year. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Kind regards,

Emma Curnow
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Year 12

Business Services News

Finance Updates

Statement of Accounts

Statements are issued multiple times throughout the school term. It is important to note that if your statement has a negative amount on it this is an indication that you are in credit. Credits can be applied to any future invoice that you may be issued. If you receive your statement and you are unsure of anything that is on it, please email admin@coolumshs.eq.edu.au

Student Resource Scheme

Thank you to all the families that have, and continue to support Coolum State High School. Without your support we would not be able to continue to provide the quality resources to support the learning environment, providing necessary textbooks and associated learning materials at considerable savings to parents, through the school’s bulk purchasing processes.

2022 Subject Fees and Academy Programs

Subject fees and Academy Programs have been invoiced and are now overdue. Please be advised that if you wish your child to remain in their fee-paying subjects or their choice of Academy, all invoices are required to be paid or a payment plan in place.

Financial Difficulty

If you are experiencing any difficulty in making payment now, the following options are available to assist you:

• BPOINT - allows for automatic payments to the school from your nominated bank account over 30 payments
• Centrepay Plan - allows deductions from any Centrelink payments (if eligible) or
• A negotiated payment plan with the school, where you are responsible for ensuring payments are made as per the negotiated plan.

If you would like to discuss financial support options or have any other enquiries around this, please contact before the due date on 5471 5333.

QParents Finance Portal

To keep up to date with invoices and payments, we recommend that you register for a QParents account, if you have not already done so. QParents is a secure online parent portal where you may access your child’s student information and stay connected to our school. The QParents web and mobile app provides a more convenient way for parents to interact with the school.

Following registration, parents can access:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details.

Should you require any assistance when registering for QParents, please do not hesitate to email admin@coolumshs.eq.edu.au or visit -

Facility Updates

How good is this new all-weather area! The students are enjoying the additional space during their break times.

The P&C actively raise funds to improve and maintain school facilities. We have been very fortunate that the P&C have recently funded this upgrade to the area outside of Performing Arts. Without the P&C contributing to the school these projects would not happen – thank you.

Positions Vacant

Schools across the Sunshine Coast are always in need of ancillary staff. In particular at Coolum SHS we would like to increase our relief list for cleaners.

If you are available either 5.00-8.00am and/or 2.30-5.30pm, meet the mandatory COVID vaccination requirements and are able to obtain a Blue Card (working with children) please contact me on 5471 5333.

Thank you for your support of our school.

Sharyn O’Brien
Business Manager

Music Department

Layla Barnett – National Folk Festival 2022

Year 8 up and coming singer songwriter, Layla Barnett recently returned from performing at the National Folk Festival in Canberra over the Easter long weekend. She opened the opening night concert with Uncle Archie Roach singing his own song " Let love rule", performed Gurrumul’s "Bapa" with the guitarist Ben Hauptmann (who played with Dr G. Yunupingu for 10 years) and Katie Noonan on backing vocals. Layla also met Yothu Yindi (which the lead singer gifted her his own Yothu Yindi Jumper to her for a memory) and soul singer Emma Donovan who was overwhelmed by Layla's performances and made Layla come to the front of the stage and she dedicated a song to her. Declan Kelly also asked Layla to come up during his set and sing Fleetwood Mac " Dreams" with him. To top it off, Layla enjoyed hanging out with Kate Ceberano. Wow!

Layla performing at the National Folk Festival in Canberra

Coolum State High School Music Camp 2022

What a huge three days for 55 gifted instrumental music students at the 2022 Music Camp at the Alex Park Conference Centre, Alexandra Headland. The students in the Wind Symphony and String Orchestra rehearsed from 9am until 5pm each day in preparation for the upcoming Fanfare regional heats at Chancellor College on the 26th and 27th of May. They had a great time hanging out together, going ten-pin bowling, participating in some team building activities and extending their musical skills in jazz and improvisation. Huge thank you to Ms Guest and Ms Anderson for their work with the students over the last three days!

2022 Music Camp students

Fanfare 2022

The Education QLD Fanfare Festival returns this year throughout May. Both performances will be at Chancellor State College, with the String Orchestra performing on Thursday the 26th of May from 4:30pm and the Wind Symphony performing on Friday the 27th of May at 1:00pm. Details regarding transportation, dress code and arrival and departure times will be emailed home and communicated to students in the coming week.

Rock Band

The Psycho Seagulls, played at the Eleven Dive Bar in Maroochydore a couple of weeks back as part of a battle of the bands comp. The boys were just shy of winning the comp but were invited back to play the opening set for the venue’s birthday in the coming month. They have played a few gigs at the Eleven Dive Bar in the past few months (alongside plenty of well-established local bands) and it’s great to see them developing and growing in confidence.

This term we are looking to feature many more of our rock band groups within our school community at lunchtimes and as part of our school parade program. It’s great to see so many students involved and getting prepared to perform for their peers.

Rohan Hardy
Head of Creative Arts

Sporting Success

Congratulations to Hazel Rahui who recently competed at the QLD Schools Swimming champs at Chandler. After both district and regional carnivals had to be cancelled, Hazel’s paper nomination times qualified her for a whopping nine events at QLD champs. She made three finals and earned a silver medal in the U12 girls 200m freestyle relay. This means she made the QLD team and will now compete at nationals in Brisbane on 15-20 August.

QLD Schools Swimming champs silver medal U12 girls 200m freestyle relay

Congratulations also to Rhys Coolican who has just made the QLD Schools Water Polo team. This was after a successful tournament where his Sunny Coast team won the State champs. He will now compete at nationals, which just so happens to be in our backyard at St Andrews pool on 22-26 July.

QLD Schools Water Polo squad team member

Congratulations to all of our recent Sunny Coast reps:

13-19 years Boys Softball – Connor Buxton
14-18 years Baseball – Connor Buxton
13-19 years Boys Water Polo – Rhys Coolican, Flynn Coolican
13-19 years Boys Golf – Juilian Stavrou
11-12 years Boys Rugby League – Taj Drake
16-18 years Girls Rugby League – Dakoda Friske
13-19 years Swimming – Flynn Skipper, Imogen Johnstone, Regan Johnstone, Joshua O’Neill
10-12 years Swimming – Hazel Rahui
13-15 years Boys AFL – Riley Coulter
13-19 years Boys Hockey – Harvey Jackson

Cross Country

Our Cross Country carnival was held on the last day of term 1. With sun shining on us it was in stark contrast to previous years, where it has been raining and muddy. Over 100 students ran with many more students helping to marshal, time keep and place judge runners as well as being photographers!

Congratulations to our Age champions:

12 years Boys – Henry Butler
12 years Girls – Matilda Edgerton
13 years Boys – Morgan Benati (junior boys race winner)
13 years Girls – Mia Braund (junior girls race winner)
14 years Boys – Noah Quilty
14 years Girls – Britney Murray (senior girls race winner)
15 years Boys – Riley Coulter
15 years Girls – Bronte Strahan
16 years Boys – Henry Smyth
16 years Girls – Shayla Dennis
Open Boys – Finn Bellerby (senior boys race winner)
Open Girls – Bella Major

I won’t announce the winning house here as it still hasn’t been announced to the students on parade as we’re still waiting for a double parade week (free of public holidays).

North District Cross Country

On 4 May, 26 of our finest runners attended North District Cross Country at the brutally hilly Big Pineapple course. Our runners did a fantastic job representing our school in the hot and humid conditions and we snagged an 8th place finish overall against the other schools.

Congratulations to Britney Murray, Shayla Dennis and Finn Bellerby who all made it into the North District Cross Country team. They will now run at Sunny Coast trials on 31 May.

Interschool Sport

After a two year hiatus, interschool sport is back at Coolum SHS. This term our year 8s and 10s will play Basketball, Soccer, Touch and Volleyball against all the other schools in the district. Students have already nominated which sport they want to play and forms will go out this week. Game days are Wednesday 26 May and Tuesday 7 June and each of the sports will be played at a different venue. All students who chose not to nominate for a sport will attend regular classes.

Upcoming

• Rugby Union – U13s STCC/CSHS combined – every Wednesday afternoon
• AFL – QLD Schools Cup – Junior – Thursday 2 June
• Rugby League – Karyn Murphy Cup – Wednesday 8 June
• AFL – QLD Schools Cup – Senior – Tuesday 14 June
• Coolum SHS Athletics carnival – Thursday 23 and Friday 24 June

Rep Trials

• 13-16 Boys Football – 17 May
• 17-19 Boys Football – 18 May
• 13-15 Boys Basketball – 18 May
• 13-15 Girls Basketball – 18 May
• 13-19 Surfing – 24 May

Eric Smyth
HPE Teacher and Sport Co-ordinator

Dates for your diary – Term 2/2022

Bus Pass Information 2022

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

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.

What are my school bus options?

To view school services including network maps and detailed route information, please visit cdcqueensland.com.au We strongly recommend that you check the website for any service changes prior to the beginning of term.

What are my fare options?

You will need a valid student bus pass, issued annually, or TransLink go card to travel on all services.

Due to COVID restrictions we cannot take cash fares. All bus fares are determined by the Queensland overnment and fares collected belong to TransLink (Department of Transport and Main Roads).

How do I apply for a student 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

For more information visit the School Transport Assistance Scheme page at

I’m not eligible for a bus pass so how do I get a go card for my student?

For more information on how to buy and top up a go card or find your local retailer visit:

Bus Routes

A list of bus routes servicing Coolum State High School can be viewed on this page:

Parents can also contact us by phone 07 5476 6622 or email info.sunshinecoast@cdcbus.com.au