Principal’s Report
SHANE DUPUY
Fast and furious
Like everyone else, it is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the term already. The students and staff are constantly kept busy to keep up with workloads and meet tight timelines. In all this mayhem, please make the effort to take some time for yourself to relax, do some exercise and spend some down time, either alone to reflect, or with friends to distract yourself. Next week, our Middle School students are being ‘forced’ to do so. Yrs.5 – 8 get to go on camp where they’ll participate in fun activities with their mates. I doubt whether the timing could be any more perfect and I’m sure all will return with smiles on their faces and stories to tell. Once they catch up on their sleep, I’m sure this mid-term break from studies will reinvigorate them for the remainder of the term.
PBC Service
Each term this year, our students have been reminded of our RISE value system as part of assemblies, life skills program and day-to-day teachable opportunities that pop up. During Term 3, we are focusing on ‘service’. As part of our MIND program, we have 3 distinct groups: Gardening, Land for Wildlife and Service Activities, who seek out tasks to support not only the college community, but also the wider community. This term, students have been preparing garden beds, planting and weeding to ensure the college grounds are looking their best. This beautification program supports all members of the college community and ensures the students develop a sense of pride, respect and ownership of their surrounds. Our ‘Service Activities’ have been learning how to crochet squares with the intention of sending them off to other organisations that can stitch them together to produce blankets for those in need. It has been fantastic to see students with the necessary skills supporting others, including some staff, who are at the beginning stage of this process. A special thanks must also go out to Mrs. Robyn Woodall and Ms. Amanda Brown, whose expertise and support of our students has been invaluable.
Last week, all 3 groups travelled by college coaches to local bushland to plant trees. Thank you to Mrs. Du Toit, Mrs. Garratt and Ms. Lovegrove for creating opportunities for our students to understand the value and generosity of giving to the community.
Japanese Visitors
PBC has continued to strengthen our relationship with our Japanese sister school, Josei Gakuen. On Saturday 29 July, PBC welcomed 18 smiling faces, eager to meet their host families who went above and beyond to make the students feel welcome and appreciate how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. PBC buddies were eager to spend time with their visitors and their caring and generous nature was very much appreciated. Although our Japanese program is only in its infancy, the hope would be for our students to get the opportunity to travel to Japan as part of an immersion program in years to come. A special thanks to Mrs. Samantha Williams, for all her dedication and organisation to ensure that our visitors were warmly welcomed and paired with PBC buddies and host families.
New Flags
Last week, our local Member for Ninderry, Mr. Dan Purdie MP, presented our college with a new Queensland flag. Dan met with college captains, Zoe and Tobias, and was keen to share some stories of his experiences as he moved from a schooling to working life. Mr. Purdie was extremely interested in the growth of the college and eager to add his support for future endeavours. We would also like to thank our Federal Member for Fairfax, Mr. Ted O’Brien MP, who also sent the college new Australian and Indigenous flags.
Library News
Book Week
Don’t forget Book Week is fast approaching.
21 – 25 August. – the theme is Read, Grow, Inspire.
Junior School
ALITA CARPENTER
Welcome to Week 4
Playground happenings
In the Junior School playground some of the games at break times, recently become a little rough at times. There are a number of measures that have been put into place supporting the students to set boundaries, give consent during game play, and asking for help if it’s needed. These key strategies, align directly with our Grow Your Mind, Wellbeing program.
In addition to this focus in the wellbeing program time, we also have in place the following;
- The provision of a new supervised indoor play space ‘The Hub’ available for students. This area is a regulated zone, that offers structure and close supervision. Students can enjoy play time in this space as they build upon their social skills and they will have somewhere less overwhelming that the playground, to practise these skills.
- There has been a whole school focus on ‘zero tolerance to ‘killing’ games’. Consequences will be put in place if this is not followed, repeated behaviour will be escalated to the Coordinator.
- The Junior Coordinator addressed the above games and language during the week it occurred at the Junior School assembly and reminded all of the students about the inappropriateness of the behaviour, and the consequences that would follow.
- As stated, the ‘Grow Your Mind’ program focus across the Junior classrooms is set to reinforce practical ways that our students can get help when they feel unsafe, or a game isn’t going the way they had hoped. ‘No’, ‘Go’, ‘Tell’, being the most effective strategy.
Families…
How can I help, I hear you ask! Excellent question. Here are some ways that you can support the process at home.
- Remind your child to tell the teacher on duty about any concerns at all (there and then works best).
- Reinforce the language we are using ‘No, Go, Tell’ and remind them of how to decide if they are not liking the game, what they can do or say if they are unsure or don’t want to play.
Some examples of what that could say if they don’t like a game might include:
- ‘I don’t feel like playing that game today’.
- ‘The teachers have said we are not allowed to play that game’.
- ‘I’d like to play something else now’.
Please do keep communicating with us we particularly love to hear from families when things are going well (and of course, keep letting us know when they are not). It’s important that we maintain our two-way communication, and if you are unsure of what else you can do to support your child’s questions or concerns relating to the playground please contact the class teacher, or the Coordinator (Alita Carpenter) for suggestions or ideas.
Camp
Junior Camp is approaching fast. Please remember to return all requested documentation in a timely manner.
Vision Screen
Prep families will soon be sent some information regarding access to a free health service, vision screen. The Vision screening is booked for Wednesday, 30th August, 2023.
Behaviour Management
I am sure that the teachers have shared with you across the year/s our behaviour management flow chart and matrix. I am commonly asked ‘what is PBC’s policy on bullying’? The best way to explain the answer to this question, is by outlining how we manage student behaviours, when these don’t meet our expectations.
On the PBC website, you can find both the behaviour management flow chart, and our matrix of behaviours; categorised into two sections ‘minor’ and ‘major’. The Year 3 and 4 students are familiar with these documents and the early years students, are aware of the structures and behaviour consequences that are in place. I would encourage you to have a look at the documents so that you are aware of what we are expecting as a school, and how this is all managed. You might also like to ask your child if they know what happens at school if they don’t follow the set rules and remind them of what these expectations are and why they are in place.
Cricket Clinic
We are lucky enough to have been offered a free introduction to cricket session for all of our classes P-6, here at PBC. On Friday September 1st, Queensland Cricket will visit PBC and deliver mini taster sessions to our primary school students. The aim of this is to briefly introduce students to the sport of cricket in a fun environment, where there will be giveaways.
Middle/Senior School
ASHLEIGH MORRISON
The Evolution of Friendships: How Students Mature, Find Different Friends and The Marble Jar Concept
In a world where virtual interactions often dominate our lives, the concept of meaningful friendships can sometimes feel like a fading treasure. However, just like collecting marbles in a jar, nurturing and preserving friendships requires a steady deposit of acts of kindness and shared experiences. As students navigate the complex landscape of personal growth, it’s common for them to mature and discover new connections that align with their evolving values and interests. As parents and teachers, it is important for us all to help our young people discover that friendships and friends will change and evolve and help them develop skills to build lasting friendships strengthened by communication and understanding.
As Middle and Senior school coordinator working with such a broad range of students, I see the evolving nature of friendships and the ups and downs that come with this incredible time of growth and change. Working closely with our College psychologists we support students cope with friendships struggles through the concept of “Marble Jar Friends” which is supported by our whole College approach to wellbeing “Grow Your Mind”.
What is the Marble Jar Friend Concept?
Imagine each of your friendships as a marble jar. Every kind gesture, supportive conversation, shared memory, and moment of understanding becomes a marble that you drop into the jar. The more marbles you accumulate, the stronger the foundation of the friendship becomes. This simple analogy helps students understand the essence of investing time and effort in building and maintaining relationships.
How do we add more marbles?
Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the growth of a friendship. From listening during tough times to celebrating each other’s achievements, these gestures help to grow the marbles in the jar. It’s the consistent effort to show that you care that leads to a sense of security and trust in the relationship.
Shared Experiences as Marbles
Camp is a great place where students add marbles to the jar. The adventures, laughter-filled moments and even the challenges students face together will help to contribute marbles in the jar. Adults young and old reflect on their own adventures, whether at school or with a group of like-minded friends, it is always these activities that become part of the unique friendship story.
In good times…and in bad.
A marble jar friendship isn’t just about the good times; it’s about weathering storms together. Supporting each other through difficult periods, offering empathy, and being a pillar of strength can add some of the most precious marbles to the jar. The knowledge that someone will stand by you in times of adversity strengthens the connection.
Virtual vs. In-Person Connections
In today’s digital age, virtual interactions have become a significant part of our friendships. While texting, video calls, and social media can help maintain connections, the real magic happens when you share physical experiences. Face-to-face interactions offer a deeper level of connection that can fill the marble jar in unique ways.
Building marbles over time.
Just like the marbles in a jar don’t accumulate overnight, neither do strong friendships. Consistency is key. Regular check-ins, meaningful conversations, and finding ways to spend quality time together all contribute to the growth of the marble jar.
The journey of students maturing and finding different friends is a natural part of life’s progression. As individuals develop their identities, passions, and values, their social circles naturally adapt to accommodate these changes. While some friendships endure and evolve, others make way for new connections that resonate with their current life stage. Embracing this process of evolution can lead to richer, more authentic relationships that continue to shape individuals as they navigate the exciting path of personal growth.
Grow Your Mind Friendship Content – click here.
Sporting News
ALEC WAREING
Sporting Academy
Dance
Introducing the Sunshine Coast Sporting Academy Dance Coach – Michelle Bucci
Michelle is the founder and creator of Dancelab and The Dancelab Method. A graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts and respected choreographer within the dance industry. Qualified with a Bachelor of Dance, Diploma in Sports Therapy, Diploma in Design and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, it is evident she is a master in her craft. This unique set of accomplishments underpins the foundations of the dancelab one- of-a-kind method which is leading the way in contemporary dance formalised training.
Over the past 27 years Michelle has had the privilege of teaching, choreographing, and collaborating with the best of the best, including character workshops with Cirque Du Soleil, choreography for TV networks nine, ten, ABC and seven. Her commercial choreography and T.V credits include The Footy Show, Postcards, Neighbours, Rush, Melbourne Grand Prix, Crown Casino, The Australian Design Awards, Virgin Australia, L’Oréal fashion show, Morning Melodies, Federation Square launch, Its Melbourne promo, and many festivals throughout Australia. Michelle was the face of dance apparel brand Body and featured dancer for Bollywood film Orange.
Since relocating to the Sunshine Coast in 2019, Michelle has designed and headed the PBC Dance Academy for The Sunshine Coast Sporting Academy and presented three seasons with her Contemporary Dance Company. Michelle was awarded the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation “Gifted” grant in both 2021 and 2022. Michelle has recently been named a finalist for The Australian Ballet / Telstra Choreographer of the year 2023, and will be a featured educator on the main stage at the Australian Dance Festival in Sydney in September. Michelle is thrilled to share her wealth of knowledge through her exclusive program, The Dancelab Method and her training and mentorship at PBC Dance Academy.
Staff Profile
SARAH BELL
| Staff Name: | Sarah Bell |
| Where did you go to school? | Greenwood High School in Melbourne. My uniform was canary yellow! |
| What was your favourite subject at school? | I loved English, History and especially Legal Studies. Our legal teacher, Mr Wilson, was absolutely brilliant. |
| What is your favourite food? | I’m not really into food, but I guess Thai or Mexican. I like a bit of spice. |
| What are your hobbies? | I do a lot of Yoga and I recently started researching my family tree, which has been interesting. My dogs also walk me each night. |
| Fun fact about you? | Four is my lucky number. I was born on the 4th of the 4th, I am the 4th of 4 children, I am the 4th female in my generation (cousins) and I have 4 sons. So, I love the number 4! |
PETA GOLDING
| Staff Name: | Peta Golding |
| Where did you go to school? | Coomera Anglican College on the Gold Coast. I then studied a Bachelor of Education at QUT university in Brisbane and moved to the Sunshine Coast when I got my first teaching position at PBC. That was ten years ago now! |
| What was your favourite subject at school? | I really enjoyed Music, Geography and PE at school. |
| What is your favourite food? | I’m a big sweet tooth. Chocolate cake is definitely a favourite. |
| What are your hobbies? | Spending time with my family. Our favourite place to visit locally is Mary Cairncross in Maleny! |
| Fun fact about you? | My son Noah will be starting at the PBC ELC next year. |
MIND – Tree Planting
JENNY DU TOIT & AMBER GARRATT
Last week the Service and Land for Wildlife Gardening students took part in the restoration of an important coastal habitat area. The Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve is a 334 ha protected parcel of land, which ranges from coastal heath to scribbly gum forest and melaleuca wetlands. It is home to more than 125 different bird and 24 different mammal species as well as the vulnerable wallum frog. Here land that has been used for agriculture is being restored to its natural state.
The students did an amazing job, planting 250 trees. Their teamwork and enthusiasm were impressive! Many thanks to Elle Yantsch who facilitated our involvement in this great project.
PREP & 3G Buddies
TENIELE ADLER & PETA GOLDING
During Digital Technologies lessons, Prep was asked to create a ‘secret mission’ for their year 3G buddies to follow. Prep learnt that an algorithm is a list of steps you can follow, and they practised by dancing to one of Miss Angela’s favourite songs… the Nutbush! Prep learnt how to take clear photos using an iPad and that data (information) can be represented using arrows and pictures. After creating their secret mission maps, 3G was invited to come and follow their buddies’ maps to find the secret locations around our school.
Well done to 3G for your patience and the caring attitude you always show towards our PBC preppies.
