20 July 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

I hope all our Coolum families had the opportunity to take some time over the break to relax together and recharge the batteries for the very busy term ahead filled with all the learning, assessment and excitement it brings for our students.

Term 2 ended on an incredibly high note for our Year 12 students who celebrated their final year with the spectacular Midwinter Ball. The conduct and maturity of all our Senior students was excellent and they looked amazing and grown up in their outfits. It was wonderful to see so many proud parents join the students for the Red-Carpet Arrival, before students and staff enjoyed the evening of festivities at the Maroochy RSL. We must thank our incredibly supportive P&C for providing the beautiful cake to help celebrate the graduating class of 2022.

I would like to congratulate all of our students on their fantastic collective achievements which are clearly evident in their Semester 1 reports which were released last week.

Over the holidays, we have also seen work finalised on the build-in of the underneath of the Wandama Building providing an extra two Science labs and three classrooms, which are very much needed. Work has also been continuing on the expansion of the Administration Building as well as construction of the 20 space, 2 storey building at the rear of the school. Unfortunately, with the inclement weather that has occurred since the beginning of both of these projects, completion date has been pushed back somewhat. These projects show what an exciting time it is to be part of Coolum High and the great future for the school we can all anticipate. Although there are bound to be a few more difficulties, I can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition.

This term, after having such disruption this year due to the coronavirus and other illnesses, I would like to focus on school attendance and making ours an outstanding school for the attendance of our amazing students. In this, I have had to ask myself why attendance is so important to me. There are a whole range of reasons why I find attendance so important, but the most compelling is that it gives students the best possible opportunity for success in life. Full attendance at school, every day, means that students don’t miss anything in the sequence of learning. It develops the habits that will ensure success in the workplace. Attendance every day develops “grit,” the quality above all else that current researchers are finding underpins a student’s success in life; their ability to engage resiliently and successfully in life and cope with the bumps and strains of life with confidence and strength. Attendance really does matter, and every single day attendance is the cornerstone of each student’s success. I am hoping that this term we can grow our understanding of the importance of school attendance, and see every one of our students at school every day, except in the case of genuine illness.

As things gradually return to normal, I would encourage all students to become involved, in some way, in the CAST Program – the Clubs, Academies, Sports and Tutorials that enhance each student’s experience of school. From basketball to robotics, from chess to tutorials, and from touch football to art club, there is something for everyone and I would encourage every student to become part of the action. Let’s get back into the things we enjoy and that make life great.

Last but not least, I would like to pay tribute to, and encourage, our Year 12 students as they enter the last semester of their high school education; to consolidate their friendships, experience some ‘coming of age’ rituals such as Graduation Ceremony, and set their sights on achieving as highly as possible in their studies. We wish every Year 12 all the best and, above all things, hope each student has a clear and fulfilling plan in place for the next stage of their journey after school ends.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Years 7 and 8

Welcome to Semester 2. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the impressive academic achievements of students in Years 7 and 8. Semester 1 report cards reflected outstanding student effort, consistent family support and inspirational teaching. Special congratulations to our highest achieving students, who will receive personal acknowledgments this term.

Students demonstrated excellent awareness of classroom routines as they commenced their first week of Semester 2. In particular, teachers have overwhelmingly commented on the positive learning environments created without the potential distraction of mobile phones in classrooms. Students in Years 7 and 8 secure their phones in YONDR pouches on arrival each morning and show their pouches in Home Group. Heads of Year will be conducting prize draws to acknowledge those students who consistently demonstrate excellence in modelling our successful phone policy. I would like to personally thank those parents and carers who have passed on their support for our efforts in promoting effective organisational habits and the appropriate use of technology. Together we can continue to provide a learning-focussed climate, which will in turn foster excellent academic outcomes.

As our school community continues to grow, it is timely to remind students about road safety. The drop-off and pick-up area at the front of our school is sometimes congested during peak times and it is imperative that all road users are mindful of regulations relating to bicycles, scooters, e-scooters and pedestrian crossings.

Whenever you ride a bicycle or an electric powered device, you must:

• wear an approved helmet
• fasten and secure the helmet at all times
• carry a doctor’s certificate if you cannot wear a helmet for medical reasons

When using a pedestrian crossing, cyclists must:

• come to a complete stop first
• proceed slowly and safely
• give way to any pedestrian on the crossing
• keep to the left of any oncoming bicycle rider

For more information, please take the time to read this website with your children:

Lastly, this term we will introduce a Resilience Program during our extended Wednesday assemblies. In an age-appropriate manner, students will learn about cyber safety, building resilience and issues related to substance misuse, such as vaping. The Resilience Program will foreground the importance of student safety, responsibility and wellbeing.

Lisa Fowler
Deputy Principal Years 7 and 8

Deputy Principal - Years 9 and 10

Years 9 and 10 Attendance

As the Deputy Principal who works with Year 9 and 10 students, I am very interested in their attendance at school. We continue to chase improvement at Coolum State High School and attendance is one unrelenting area of focus for us.

Attendance at school keeps students up to date with their learning and assessment requirements, builds relationships with teachers, and gives students regular and supportive contact with their peers.

This also means that students are in a regular routine and never have the added stress and anxiety of catching up on missed work due to absences.

As the successful transition into a positive career is one of the goals of a secondary education, it is absolutely necessary that students attend school each and every day.

Our goal as a school is to have attendance at 92% or higher. It is up to parents and schools to work together to get young people to school every single day.

Greater attendance every day at school gives students more opportunities to be successful in their learning, and their future destinations.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Years 9 and 10

Deputy Principal – Years 11 and 12

Future Pathways Preparation

Year 12 students will be engaging in QTAC information sessions starting from Week 2 with our senior Guidance Officers, and will take place across the term. The QTAC books have arrived, and all students will have at least one interview to discuss their pathways. The QTAC information is for all students, and provides information for TAFE and University pathways. Please have conversations with your Year 12 student and read through the book with them.

Term 3 Events

We have another full term with many IA3 exams and assignments for our Applied and General subjects taking place throughout the term, as well as our important Mock Exam Block in Week 9. All students will receive an exam timetable and it is expected that students attend their scheduled assessment. This is not only for our ATAR students, but also includes assessment and time allocated for our Applied and Certificate subjects. As per our usual processes, if your child is absent/unwell on the day of a scheduled exam, please contact the school in the first instance and talk with a member of the Year 12 team.

We are also hosting our annual Celebration of Excellence evening on Wednesday September 14, and the CSHS Swimming Carnival on Friday September 16.

Congratulations Jemima

We are very proud of our Year 12 cohort, who have reported excellent results in their latest reporting phase. In particular, we would like to acknowledge Jemima Bainbridge who has won a Peter Doherty Award as an Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student Award worth $5000. Jemima will receive her award, to be presented at QUT’s Room 360 by the Honourable Grace Grace, Minister for Education. These awards are very prestigious and Jemima has shown great commitment in STEM and is a very worthy recipient.

Year 11 2023 Student Leadership Nominations

It is that time of year where we are asking our Year 11 students to step forward and nominate for student leader positions. Mr Reck, Head of Year 11, has started promoting this process on assembly and will provide students with nomination forms. The positions available include:

• 2 School Captains and 2 Vice Captains
• 2 Student Council Leaders and 2 Vice Student Council Leaders
• 1 Spirit Leader
• 1 Indigenous Leader

This process will involve students self-nominating and completing a nomination form, outlining their school and community involvement. Students will also need the form to be endorsed by two staff members. Successful short-listed students will present a speech to their peers, and whole of staff, and voting will then take place. We have had some exceptional student leaders over the past few years and can’t wait to pass the baton onto the next group of leaders.

Change in Deputy Principal roles

I am very excited to inform parents of Year 11 students that I am now the Deputy Principal responsible for Year 11 as well as Year 12 for Semester 2, 2022. I am enjoying dropping into Year 11 Home Groups and lessons to see students working hard. If you have any questions, please contact me via email on ecurn1@eq.edu.au.

Emma Curnow
Deputy Principal Year 11 and Year 12

Deputy Principal

Change of school day

Over the last few months, we have been reviewing the day structures at Coolum SHS including the length and timing of our lunch breaks. To initiate this change, we have considered the education department policy and guidelines then went through a process of consultation with staff, students and the school community. From this consultation there was overwhelming support to reduce second lunch by 10min thus moving the school finish time from 2:45pm to 2:35pm.

At this stage the change to second lunch and the end of the school day, will be a trial period for Term 3. So far, in the first week of school the change has been a success apart from the poor weather conditions. We will continue to monitor the effects of the change across the school community and communicate this to parents before making this long term.

Student wellbeing

I would like to thank parents and students who took the time to complete our wellbeing surveys last term. The data we have received has been extremely helpful in developing our student wellbeing plan for Term 3. To begin, Heads of Year will run short specific sessions to students throughout the term targeting key topics aligned to students' year level. We will then look to build on this momentum in Term 4 with further wellbeing initiatives rolled out to students.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal

Business Services

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.

If you have selected to pay your SRS in the agreed instalments, please be aware that the final payment is due this term.

Year 10 SET Planning

On July 26 and 27, the Year 10 SET Planning process will take place for 2023 subject selection. Please note that we will require a 50% payment of the subject fees on selection.  Without this payment, your child may not be enrolled into the subject.

SUBJECT FEES POLICY - To be accepted into a fee-paying subject:

• All outstanding fees are paid in full; and
• Full payment of the SRS for that year; and
• 50% of the total cost of subject fees paid upon selection; and
• the remaining balance paid by Term 4, week 8

The school accepts Centrelink or BPOINT as payment plan options should you be experiencing financial difficulties, and there are slightly different due dates for these families. Please contact me to discuss your options.

We want to be able to provide your child with the necessary teaching and learning resources so they can succeed. Without your support and payment of fees on time, this would be a very difficult goal to achieve.

Please make a time to speak with me if you are experiencing financial difficulties with SRS or subject fees. We will do our best to support you.

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 the link below.

Facility Updates

There is so much happening in this space. We welcomed students and staff into the new classrooms and science labs in our state of the art Wandama building this term.

Wandama Building - New rooms

The Administration Building extension has also seen the slab poured, with the rain holding out for just long enough! This will be a welcomed face-lift for the entrance of the school. We are hoping that we will see this completed for the new 2023 school year.

Administration Building - Extension concrete slab

There is also lots of work happening at the back of the school with the building of the new learning centre commencing. There has been trucks coming and going throughout the days and we are finally starting to see some progress.  This is very exciting!

New Building - Works under way

Freezers for Sale by the P&C Association.

The P&C has three upright freezers for sale. For further information, please contact the P&C on 5471 5337.

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, 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

International Student Program

At the start of this term, we extended a warm welcome to students from Germany, Chile, Italy, Denmark, Norway and Vietnam. There are five students in Year 10 and twenty-three students in Year 11.

Our International Student 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.

Our Homestay families are really excited to host the international students and walk them through their journey of living the Australian way of life. The students have had an introduction to BBQs, our beach lifestyle, local sporting and recreational activities.

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.

Terri Shine
International Student Program Homestay Coordinator

Dates for your diary – Term 3/2022

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

For more information visit the link below.

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 Government 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) helps 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 from the link below.

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