Principal’s Report

SHANE DUPUY

Last week, I had the good fortune to attend a principal’s conference in Brisbane hosted by Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ). Myself and 14 other principals from across the state came together to not only be professionally developed in the areas of governance, school operations and executive functioning, but it also allowed us to share the challenges each of us face from day to day in our own settings. Even though there was a great diversity of sites represented which included: 100-year-old Christian Colleges with 1200 students including boarders, 60 student inner city ‘Flexi’ schools, regional Lutheran schools and a city-based Islamic Faith school (led by a Christian),  I must say, compared to some of the issues shared by my peers, I am thankful for the PBC community. However, the commonality amongst all was the challenges faced by schools to deliver education programs to cater for the ever-changing needs of our students. It was an eye-opening experience to hear what alternative modes of educational practice are being offered in different settings. After 3 days of engagement, I walked away feeling positive about the programmes our college offers to support our students’ diverse learning needs and future pathways.

To all the amazing mothers in our PBC community, please receive our sincerest best wishes this Mother’s Day. We hope you all have a relaxing, joyful day with your families. If you’re lucky enough, you may even receive a thoughtful gift from your child purchased from our PIPS stall. Thanks again must go to Angie and her dedicated team of volunteers.

Library News

Dear Readers 

I felt that the reading space in the Kelly Library needed its own identity. After deliberating for too long during the Easter holidays I knew that I had to call for help. I’ve since thrown the naming out to our students from Prep to Year 6 to put their creative hats on to come up with the best name for the best space. It has now turned into a competition to see which class will come up with the name that will stay! 

AND win the prizes. The winning class gets to choose any book in the world for the library to purchase and keep in the library for all children to share, they also have their winning name on a sign which will be hung in the reading space and, thirdly, will enjoy a cake party (by far the most popular of the three prizes). 

Here is Year 2 brainstorming…. 

I will update you on the winning class and their winning name in the next Emu.  


More book donations roll in! The Dawson Family delivered three bags to the school for the Year 4 classroom and the library. Many thanks once again! 

Yours in reading,
Miss Tania

Student Services

PBC has recently connected with the Headspace Schools initiative and would like to offer a free online information session to our parents:

When:  14 May 5pm – 6pm

Where:  Online, click here to attend.

This interactive session will cover:

  • mental health and wellbeing in adolescence
  • how to have conversations with young people about their mental health & wellbeing
  • strategies for parents and carers about how to support their young person
  • Where you and your young person can go for support

We look forward to meeting with you.

Please note: These sessions are not suitable for young people to attend.

VET and Career Pathways

Spotlight on Careers and VET Pathways

What a dynamic and diverse start to Term 2 in the Careers and VET Pathways space!

ADF – Defence Forces

Last term we had career talks from the Defence Force with the Maroochydore ADF Careers Centre presenting a multitude of pathways available to students. This term we have more guest presenters as well as some interesting excursions for students in the senior school.

MEGT – Training and Apprenticeships

Last week we had Tony Quinn from MEGT come along and speak with students. About Apprenticeships and Traineeships. MEGT is Australia’s largest and only national Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP), MEGT is committed to providing quality employment, training and workforce solutions that make a positive difference by providing:

  • End-to-end apprenticeship and traineeship program management
  • High-quality, work-ready apprentice and trainee candidates
  • A tailored approach to apprentice and trainee recruitment and workforce planning
  • Ongoing mentoring and support

East Coast Apprenticeships

This week we had Acacia and her team from East Coast Apprenticeships visit us for a special, interactive workshop with students from years 10-12. Students were offered an opportunity to review possible partnership opportunities towards an apprenticeship of their interest, including (but not limited to): Aircon Refrigeration, Electrical, Carpentry, Business, Tiling, Disability or Individual Support/Aged Care, Landscaping, Parks and Gardens, Commercial Cookery, and Cabinet Making.

Topics of workshop include:

  • Resumes
  • Getting ready to apply for apprenticeships
  • Apprenticeships
  • Group training versus outsourcing
  • How to be successful in gaining/keeping an apprenticeships

 Regional Training – Interview Skills workshop

Students will be participating in an interactive workshop presentation about honing their interview skills. Students are asked to bring in their resume and prepare to discuss a job they are keen to apply for, or a job they hope to apply for in the future.

Year 10 Work Experience

The Year 10 Work Experience block kicked off at the start of this term with some students already securing opportunities at Sunreef Mooloolaba and Sealife. We look forward to our PBC students spreading their wings across a variety of career pathways of their choosing. Parents are reminded to check on the progress of their children, to ensure they are meeting the timeframes discussed in the Work Experience booklet sent home in Week 2.

 Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) Tour

Some of our Year 11 students have the unique opportunity to tour the Sunshine Coast Health Institute at their upcoming “Careers in Health Day”. This will be an immersive journey in health care careers at The Sunshine Coast Health Institute. Students can learn more about the diversity of roles in healthcare, and how staff at SCHI all work together to provide healthcare to the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

 University Headstart students

I would like to share some recent “good news” stories for two of our enthusiastic Year 11 students. Ella P-G has recently been accepted to attend CQUni to undertake a Headstart course in Digital Animation. Upon completion, this gives Ella 2 QCE points, an ATAR point and Ella gains direct entry into the Bachelor of Digital Technology! Way to go, Ella!   As well as Ella, Lucia F has applied for entry  into the UniSC Headstart program to undertake a subject in Criminology – a wonderful undertaking.

Career and VET Pathways Quicklinks

The following Quicklinks are available via Daymap for students. For parents/carers to make an appointment with me to discuss Careers and VET Pathway options, please click here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/CareersandVETPathways@peregian.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ I will confirm our appointment and this will appear as a calendar invitation in your Outlook calendar. Appointments will take place in L3 in the library.

To apply for a Certificate course, Diploma course, Distance Ed subject or Uni Headstart course, please click here and complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/38p1HrFkFM. The form is quite comprehensive, which ensures that you have considered all requirements of the course and of your expected commitment to the additional/alternative course you wish to undertake. This information will be sent to me, and I will contact you about where we go from here.

“Empower your journey, explore your potential, and pave your path to success! Stay tuned for more insights and opportunities in our next edition. Until then, keep striving, keep learning, and keep reaching for your dreams. Your future awaits!”

Mrs Heather Hagemann
Careers & VET Pathways Coordinator
Year 11/12 Advisor

Australian Early Development Census

PREP

Building a national picture of child health

From May 2024, our school, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).

The AEDC is a teacher-completed census (similar to a questionnaire) which provides a comprehensive picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.

The AEDC is an Australian Government Initiative and is completed nationally every three years.

Children don’t miss any class time while the AEDC is completed, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information.

The data collected through the AEDC is used by schools, communities and governments to better understand children and families’ needs, and identify the services, resources and support they need.

AEDC data is reported at a school, community, state/territory and national level. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and the AEDC is not used as an individual diagnostic tool.

Some teachers have found that completing the AEDC made them more aware of the needs of individual children and their class, and that the data was useful for planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing programs.

Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, however the AEDC relies on all schools with children in their first year of full-time school participating in the collection. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census.

To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families visit: www.aedc.gov.au.

If you have any questions, you can contact Shane Dupuy by email principal@pbc.qld.edu.au.

Why Should My Child Learn a Second Language

SAMANTHA WILLIAMS

Why Should My Child Learn a Second Language??

So why should we learn a second language in Australia?

Despite what some might think, it is crucial, now more than ever that we as Australians embrace learning other languages.

How can this benefit my child’s learning?

Cognitive Benefits:

  • Improved Brain Function: Learning a new language stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functions such as problem-solving, multitasking, and memory.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Bilingual individuals often show greater creativity and divergent thinking skills, as they can think and express themselves in multiple ways.
  • Better Attention and Focus: Multilingual tend to have better attention and concentration, as they need to constantly switch between languages and filter out irrelevant information.

Personal Growth:

  • Broadened Perspectives: Learning a new language exposes you to different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking, fostering empathy and tolerance towards others.
  • Increased Confidence: Mastering a second language boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, as it requires stepping out of your comfort zone and acquiring new skills.
  • Expanded Social Networks: Speaking another language opens doors to new friendships and social connections with people from different linguistic backgrounds, enriching your personal life.

Here at Peregian Beach College, we offer Japanese from years 5 to 8.

Our Japanese program is inclusive, highly creative and engaging.  Including the upcoming speech and poster contests, Japan Tour 2025, Japanese Sister School visit, Japan Day and more!

We aim to support our students to learn and expand their knowledge throughout their schooling and hope to have a senior program in the next 2 years.

A very exciting time indeed for all our students!

Japanese Exchange

We are excited to announce that our Japanese sister school, Josei Gakuen Highschool will be visiting us again this year!

Last year’s exchange was a wonderful success!

We are looking for families who would love to share their homes with these beautiful students.

This is an amazing opportunity for you and your family to create memories that last a lifetime.

Remuneration is supplied.

When: Sun 27th July – Fri 9th August

If you and your family would love to partake in this incredible experience, please email Mrs Samantha Williams for more details.

Email: s.williams@pbc.qld.edu.au

Year 3

Tewantin Excursion

The Year 3 classes went on an excursion to Tewantin this week! For History in Term 2, the Year 3 students have been learning about the changes to local communities over time. Students started the ‘Heritage Walk’ at the Tewantin Marina, and using the footpath, students were guided to the jetty. Along the way, the children learnt about changes to the local area and matched the symbols to the checkpoints on their map. They also had a play on the playground and ate some morning tea. It was such a beautiful walk along the Noosa River!

Walk Safely to School

On Friday the 10th of May, students participated in the ‘Walk Safely to School Day’. Parents and carers of Prep to Year 4 students met Miss Davis and Mrs Kerin at the Peregian Breeze shops at 8am, to spread the message that ‘active kids are healthy kids’ by walking to school together. Mrs Garrett and our senior primary leaders met us at the gate with a token of participation for each student who walked to school that day. It was a wonderful morning seeing our school community spreading the message.

Housekeeping

School Administration Housekeeping.

  • The email address to use for all correspondence relating to student absences is admin@pbc.qld.edu.au, this email address is accessed by all administration staff. Please add admin@pbc.qld.edu.au to your address books so that our emails to you don’t go to your junk email folder.
    You can also lodge an absence via the form on the website located here.
  • Don’t forget to order canteen through the My School Connect app – orders are to be placed no later than 8.10 am.
  • When signing students in late or signing them out early please ensure to put a reason in the text box for College records.
  • Please ensure students are in their correct uniform, we are going to be checking to make sure that the uniform policy guidelines are being followed, this includes correct footwear with formal uniforms.