8 May 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Welcome to Term 2 which will be, as always, another very busy term at Coolum High.

Our Year 12s are now in their last three terms of school. While it’s impossible for the community to know all of them, I want to assure you that we have a wonderful group of students who are achieving some great things across the board. For senior students, term two is very important as they undertake their final tasks and assignments and, ultimately, their final exams. Added to this, our year 12s have the excitement of the Midwinter Ball to be held on Thursday, 15 June – a night that will be one to remember for a long time! We wish our year 12s all the very best in their final year of high school.

Report cards were recently issued for Term 1, and the results have been incredible, showing that our students are committed to achieving their very best results. Following on from the reports, Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 9 May and from the booking system data, our parents have shown they are committed to supporting their children’s academic success with an extraordinary number of bookings. The relationship between parents and teachers is an integral part of a child’s academic success, and we look forward to seeing our parent community at the Interviews.

We recently celebrated our amazing Guidance Officers during Guidance Officer week from 24 April to 5 May. Liz and Pamela have supported our students and their families over many years to ensure their well-being, to provide career advice and help them on a path of choice. To say their work is tough is an understatement. Each day they turn up with a smile on their face and check in with others. I am certain we have the BEST Guidance team in Queensland. Liz and Pamela, thank you for your work. We are so very grateful to have you in our Coolum community and appreciate you every day.

We recently commemorated ANZAC Day at school with a very moving and solemn ceremony and as always, members of the Coolum Peregian RSL were our special guests. At the dawn service on ANZAC Day at the RSL, our students played a pivotal role in the ceremony, performing and delivering speeches to the Coolum and Peregian communities who turned out in their thousands to honour our ANZACs and all defence personnel, past and currently serving. Coolum High pays tribute to all veterans of the armed services and everyone who has served our nation during times of conflict. It is important for our students to understand our history to better understand our present day and our future. We would like to thank the RSL for engaging with us so fulsomely and offering our students the opportunity to become involved in the dawn service.

This term, I cannot stress highly enough the importance of attending school each and every school day. The link between high levels of attendance at school and strong academic achievement is absolutely profound and cannot be overstated. The most important thing we can do for our child’s academic development is to ensure they are at school every day. Attendance at school is the single thing within our power that makes the biggest difference to a student’s success. I am looking forward to seeing all of our students every school day this term.

According to Queensland Education policy, parents are required to:

• Ensure their child arrives at school on time and attends their educational program every school day.
• Minimise disrupting their child’s school day so their child has the best opportunity to learn.
• Provide their current contact details to the school to enable effective notification.
• Contact the school prior to any planned absences and provide an explanation (preferably in writing) for each absence, either before or on the day of absence, or as soon as practicable, in accordance with the school's communication processes.
• Ensure their child follows the school’s recommended processes and procedures for late arrival and early departure.
• Notify the school if their child will be late using the school’s recommended communication processes.

Students arriving late will be required to sign in at the Administration Office. We ask that parents either accompany the student to the Office or notify the school through QParents, or by emailing StudentAbsence@coolumshs.eq.edu.au of any late arrivals.

Coolum State High School was recently listed as one of the ‘Top 150 High Schools in Queensland’ by the Courier Mail, using data provided by ‘Better Education.’ Coolum High was one of 30 public schools from across Queensland to be included on the list. As a community, I think we can be proud of the hard work of students, staff and parents that has led to our school being recognised in this way. As a community, we can have every confidence that the staff and students of Coolum High are working hard to ensure that each student lives a life of choice, and not one of chance by making the most of their education and carefully planning for the future.

While this achievement and recognition of the work that has been done and sustained at our school is a great endorsement of the hard work of so many people, we will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of all our students.

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Year 7

Celebrating Success

Congratulations to our Year 7 cohort, whose student reports reflect a consistent commitment to academic achievement. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the eleven Year 7 students who achieved A’s in all subjects as well as the 52 students who earned all A’s for their effort and behaviour. For many students, a single A is a cause for celebration and I extend my congratulations to all those students who have worked hard to achieve success in their first year of high school. Our upcoming parent-teacher interviews are a vital way to connect with teachers and will form a key aspect of your child’s learning journey.

ANZAC Day

This term we were inspired by our ANZAC Day commemorations. Hosted by senior leaders and attended by a host of local dignitaries, this formal parade was dedicated to the ANZAC spirit. Our Year 7 students were outstanding in the way they respectfully remembered those who have made sacrifices for our nation. The Coolum RSL reported the largest ever attendance from Coolum High students at the dawn service on the public holiday - it was a moving ceremony. Thank you to all the committed parents who woke at the crack of dawn to ensure their child’s participation in this solemn event.

House Cup

Many year 7’s have been revelling in the lunch time house cup games. Yuroka home groups won the first round of Ida cup played out on the oval. Most recently, rotating teams of both genders have been dunking hoops in champion basketball matches to score more house points. Cheered on by a full hall of encouraging student spectators, the basketball round resulted in Yuroka and Carcoola winning. House spirit is strong in the year 7’s.

Being Prepared

It is essential that all students bring their laptop to school each and every day. Developing productive routines around charging devices so that they are ready for each new day helps provide a good foundation for success in the classroom. Quite simply, bringing charged laptops helps reduce stress and maximizes learning potential. Similarly, parental support to ensure your child brings their YONDR pouch to school each day creates a learning focus that is free from the distractions of social media and games.

Lisa Fowler
Deputy Principal - Year 7

Deputy Principal - Years 8 and 9

School Attendance

High levels of school attendance in recent years were something that was out of reach for many students. The impacts of lock downs and the covid pandemic made regular attendance at school a struggle for some. However, now with the pandemic behind us, it is time for school attendance to become a critical focus for our school community. According to the research, higher student attendance is associated, on average, with higher student achievement. Additionally, attending school every day helps children to build social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.

Did you know that under the law, you must make sure your child is enrolled and attends school on all school days unless there is a reasonable excuse? Schools must monitor attendance of students and follow up with parents and caregivers regarding any unexplained absences.

At Coolum State High School, we are highly committed to ensuring that all students attend every day, as we know that attendance every day at school counts! If you have any questions regarding school attendance, please contact our school administration.

NAP Science Literacy Testing

The National Assessment Program – Science Literacy (NAP–SL) is an online test that informs schools, education ministers and the community about the levels of achievement in science literacy among Year 6 and Year 10 students across Australia. The aim of this test is to inform and improve teaching and learning in science.

At Coolum State High School, this online test will occur on 25 May 2023. Not all students will be required to complete the test as ACARA selects a random sample of twenty Year 10 students only.

For more information regarding this testing please visit the below link

ALPHA Applications Open

Please be aware that 2024 ALPHA Academy Applications are now open. If your child is academically-minded and plans a university pathway, please visit the school website for more details. ALPHA Applications can be downloaded from the school website, and must be lodged at the Administration Office no later than Friday 26 May 2023.

Rebecca McCann
Acting Deputy Principal - Years 8 and 9

Deputy Principal - Years 10 and 11

I would like to remind all families of current Year 10 students that the information session regarding Year 11, 2024 will be held on Wednesday 24 May in the school’s PA theatre from 5:30pm – 6:30pm.

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

By the end of this term, Year 10 students will have completed their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan. The SET Plan outlines students’ goals and career interests, as well as courses, qualifications or degrees related to those careers.

Senior Subject Information Books for 2024 will be available at the end of this term in Week 10 – 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.

SET Plan meetings with families are occurring next term on 25 and 26 of July. Further information about SET Planning and booking a meeting time will come out early in Term 3.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal - Years 10 and 11

Deputy Principal – Year 12

Year 12 students have been knuckling down and are focussed on completing their Internal Assessment and certificates courses to ensure they are on track to attain their QCE. The Year 12 Team have been very carefully monitoring and reviewing Term 1 report cards alongside successful completion of Year 11 work in 2022 in order to make sure all students are on track to graduate. We are so proud of the reports, as I am sure you are, as we had outstanding reports not only academically, but also with effort and behaviour.

Thank you to our senior students who woke early on ANZAC morning to attend the Dawn Service. Our Captains, Jye and Layla, spoke so well and represented our school with pride. It was wonderful to see many of our students paying their respects on this significant day in our history.

KEY DATES

Emma Curnow
Deputy Principal - Year 12

International Students

2023 Term 2

Recently, the international students attended a school excursion to Australia Zoo. They really enjoyed the experience of learning about the Australian animals. Their favourite animals included the koalas, kangaroos, and the crocodiles. Some students had their photo taken with a koala – a bucket list memory!

The International Student Program continues to grow, with 30 international students, from 10 different countries, scheduled for Term 3. We are currently looking for new homestay families for Term 3. Hosts received a homestay fee, to assist with the expenses incurred.

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.

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
ISP Homestay Coordinator

Dates for your diary – Term 2 / 2023

Bus Pass Information 2023

Coolum State High School - Bus Routes

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

Our transport partner, CDC Queensland, has advised that there are significant service changes within the school bus network which will affect Coolum State High School in 2023.

Please view the new network map for your information, and below are the summarised details of the 2023 changes:

• First wave of PM bus departures is at 2:41PM
  Includes routes 5811, 5813, 5825, 5841 and 5849.
• Second wave of PM bus departures is at 2:44PM
  Includes routes 5847, 5851 and 5852.
• After that:
  3:12PM – 5811.
  3:22PM – 5812.
  3:25PM – 5818.

For network maps, route information and links to detailed timetables, please visit the following web page: Coolum State High School

If you have any queries regarding the above timetable changes, please contact Emily Meek, School Liaison and Customer Service Coordinator, CDC Queensland, Kunda Park on 07 5476 6622 or email info.sunshinecoast@cdcbus.com.au

Do you need to apply for a school bus pass?

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

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 the link below. 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).

For more information visit the School Transport Assistance Scheme page from the link below.

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 the link below.