Principal’s Report

SHANE DUPUY

Student Growth

The College has continued to grow over the past year which is testimony to the hard work of the College Board, the Academy Management and our highly skilled teaching staff. Our wonderful Admin team are constantly run off their feet to ensure new families are welcomed into our beautiful environment and that all are updated with the latest happenings.

In my experience, the Sunshine Coast is a very transient region. Many families come to experience a ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’ and quickly fall in love with our beautiful environment that many long-standing locals may take for granted. However, there are also many who choose to return to their previous places of residence due to lack of employment opportunities, ability to find permanent housing, or they miss their family and friends they have left behind. Speaking to other Principals, this isn’t isolated to PBC, it happens at many schools in the area. For our PBC community, it means there are constant opportunities for our families to connect with new families and for our students to find a new friend. It has been uplifting to see so many of our long-standing students’ welcome new classmates into the college. These children are often asked to buddy up with our new arrivals to support them through their first days at our school and show them around. In no time at all, most new students feel comfortable, welcomed, and engaged. I am very grateful for the time, care and consideration given to them by their buddies and am proud to see the type of compassionate and empathetic students PBC is fostering.

Focus on Literacy and Numeracy

By now, parents will be aware of the College focus on both Literacy and Numeracy in the Primary School. In most classes, the first 2 sessions of the day are dedicated solely to these 2 essential learning domains. A complete review of our students’ skills over the past 12 months lead by College Coordinator, Ashleigh Morrison and Learning Enrichment Coordinator, Janine Olsen, has highlighted areas for improvement. Particularly in Prep – Y2, a range of standardised testing and data collation has confirmed the necessity for targeted intervention. As a result, teachers in this band have been upskilled in the InitiaLit program and are being supported by teacher aides for its implementation. Because of this focus, the College have advised external support agencies such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists that these times are ‘untouchable’ on our timetable. Focusing on our inclusive model, we require all students to be present in their classes so that they can reap the full benefit of this intensive learning program, whilst engaging with their teachers and sharing experiences with their classmates. The upside is, students that do receive support from external providers coming onto our site, get extra time to develop their knowledge in these key learning areas. A long-time supporter of PBC families, Noosa District Speech Pathology have been understanding and supportive of our commitment to our program and have been accommodating to alter the times they can access their clients. The wonderful Mrs. Olsen, is continuing to work with other support agencies for a similar adjustment to their timetables.

Parental Complaints

Like everyone else, as much as we strive to be perfect, we are not. In this current climate of growth and change, there are going to be  times when messages are misunderstood, or information missed. As evidenced in the political world, we can’t keep everyone happy all the time. In such cases, I would ask that parents be directed to the College’s Complaints Handling Policy. This document can be found on the college website and gives clear procedures and documentation to ensure your concerns are dealt with. As always, I would ask that any parents that do have concerns be directed to their child’s classroom teacher in the first instance. In the event of a meeting, in most cases, parents can expect there will be more than one staff member present to ensure all stakeholders are working towards a resolution.

Thanks Team!

May I take this opportunity to thank our amazingly dedicated administration staff and maintenance team. As many of you will be aware, at the end of last year, both our transport manager and maintenance manager left their roles. Whilst continuing to interview applicants for their roles, office ladies Kate, Shae, Karissa and Alicia have done a fantastic job ‘holding down the fort’ to ensure our students are transported to their training, excursions or to and from home. A special thanks must also go to bus driver, Craig Moir, who has also supported this process. Similarly, a big thank you to Pepe and Josh for their tireless efforts in keeping on top of the grounds and maintenance tasks. In very challenging weather conditions, both men’s commitment to their roles has very much been appreciated. If any of our families see these amazing employees around the college, please feel free to give them a ‘thank you’. As we know, something so simple can go a long way.

Student Services

HAYLEY CLIFTON

Have you heard your child talk about a guard dog, the sifting sooty, a sensitive octopus, an elephant who tries to remember and a wise owl? You may be wondering what on earth this is all about!

Each animal represents a key part of the brain and now that we are a Grow Your Mind school, you can expect to hear more about it.

At our school, we believe that education is about academic achievement AND about developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life. We know that when children have the skills of resilience, emotional regulation and perspective, they will do better socially, academically and physically. With the Grow Your Mind program, we aim to provide our students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.

Why the animals? Why the brain? And why Grow Your Mind?

The animals are a playful and engaging way to teach children about their brain and some of the core functions. Linking social and emotional wellbeing habits to the brain provides purpose and sparks a child’s interest in topics that may otherwise cause a yawn or eye roll! E.g. gratitude, exercise, healthy friendships, and growth mindset are just a few examples.

We chose this particular program for 4 core reasons.

  1. All of the content within the platform is linked to the Australian
  2. The program has been independently reviewed by the University of Wollongong with results showing positive gains in psychological and physical wellbeing as well as a greater sense of connection and belonging and See full report
  3. Grow Your Mind provides a detailed learning continuum so that students are exposed to different topics and learning activities in each year

And finally:

  1. Grow Your Mind provides a whole school approach to This means your mental health matters too – as does ours as a staff. The program provides accessible information we can pass on to you as parents and carers. Including their free, award winning podcast that we hope you make the most of at home and in the car.

How will Grow Your Mind work at our school?

We will be running an explicit lesson each fortnight and we will be grabbing 5 minutes of wellbeing at the start of every learning day. This may look like a mindful breathing exercise, a character strength focus, challenging unhelpful thoughts, or practicing positive affirmation or gratitude. We  will also be applying the program to teachable moments as they arise.

What is all this talk of mental health?

Grow Your Mind is on a mission to reclaim the term mental health. It is often associated with mental health disorders. Whereas in fact, we all have mental health, just as well have physical health. It can be brilliant, terrible, or somewhere in between. Poor mental health is a serious issue however Grow Your Mind believes that mental health education does not need to be. They use storytelling, engaging videos, podcast episodes, interactive learning activities, songs, drama, dance and reflection opportunities to shine a playful light on the importance of taking care of your mental health.

Our school values prevention and building the skills of positive mental health habits in our students. By the time our students leave our school we want them to have a tool belt of strategies they can use and practice to help them on the path of enduring good mental health. This might mean you hear your child talking about character strengths, kindness, doing something joyful, helping others, moving their bodies and more.

We are confident that the Grow Your Mind program will have a positive impact on our students, staff and community. We look forward to working together with you to support & develop your child’s social and emotional skills in an engaging and playful way.

CAREER NEWS

HEATHER HAGEMANN

From the Careers and VET Pathways Hub  

Wow, another fortnight down and we are well into mid-term. This month has been an exciting educational journey for students with regards to Careers. Students have been reflecting upon their intrinsic selves by identifying and applying their character strengths and using these for Goal Setting – a positive step forward to employ effective time management skills and compartmentalise their busy lives.  

Why choose a School-Based Apprenticeship / Traineeship?   

  • Facilitates smooth transitions from school to work, fostering education, training, and employment prospects for secondary school students. 
  • Offers students chances to cultivate practical skills and knowledge directly relevant to real-world job scenarios. 
  • Enables students to initiate, and in certain instances, fulfill, a vocational qualification while concurrently attending school. 
  • Enhances post-schooling career and training routes for students, bolstering their prospects. 
  • Strengthens connections between education and industry, as well as between schools and the local community. 
  • Apprentices/Trainees typically achieve better graduate employment outcomes compared to the average VET graduates. 

SBA vacancies are advertised each fortnight in the newsletter and will be emailed directly to all students in Years 10, 11 and 12. If you wish to apply for a vacancy, please ensure you have booked a meeting with Mrs Hagemann, your resume is updated, you have written an appropriate cover letter, and that you follow the application directions in the advertisement. Once these documents are completed, send them via email to Mrs Hagemann prior to your meeting with her at: h.hagemann@pbc.qld.edu.au. After confirmation from your parents, we will submit the documents on your behalf (unless the advertisement has specifically stated that you need to apply online or visit the business directly).  

Current Vacancies | Apprenticeship + Traineeships 

Please have a look through the apprenticeships and traineeships on offer (below) and let me know if you are interested in receiving further information. These opportunities are QUICKLY snapped up, so if you are keen, PLEASE come and see me! 

  1. Fulltime Apprenticeship: Landscaping (will suit school-leaver; driver licence preferred). Location: Noosa 
  2. 1st Year Landscaping Construction Apprentice. Location: Caloundra, Maroochydore, Noosa Heads  
  3. 1st Year Landscaper Apprentice. Location: Nambour 
  4. 1st Year Tiling Apprentice. Location: Maroochydore  
  5. 1st Year Wall & Floor Tiler Apprentice. Location: Noosaville 
  6. 1st Year Graphics & Sign Writer Apprentice. Location: Warana 
  7. 1st Year Commercial Cook Apprentice. Location: Maroochydore, Caloundra. 
  8. Bricklayer Apprentice Location: Buderim, Maroochydore, Caloundra  
  9. Cabinetmaking Apprentice. Location: Noosaville  
  10. Carpentry Apprentice. Location: Cooribah, Caloundra, Noosa Heads, Eumundi, Sunshine Coast Mc, Maroochydore    
  11. Fibrous Plasterer Apprentice. Location: Caloundra, Noosa Heads  
  12. Landscaper Apprentice. Location: Kunda Park, Caloundra, Buderim  
  13. Apprentice Roof Plumbing. Location: Landsborough  
  14. Solid Plasterer Apprentice. Location: Mooloolaba.  
  15. Tiling Apprentice. Location: Maroochydore, Baringa, Beerwah, Caloundra  
  16. Business Traineeship. Location: Maroochydore, Caloundra, Alexandra Headland 
  17. Tyre Fitting Traineeship. Location: Caloundra, Noosa Heads, Maroochydore   
  18. Parks & Gardens Apprentice. Location: Caloundra, Maroochydore, Noosaville, Nirimba      
  19. Painting & Decorating Apprentice. Location: Nirimba    
  20. Dental Assistant Trainee. Location: Noosaville, Kunda Park  
  21. Glass & Glazing Apprentice. Location: Kuluin, Maroochydore  
  22. Horticulture Traineeship. Location: Kunda Park  
  23. Individual Support Traineeship. Location: Maroochydore  
  24. Warehousing Traineeship. Location: Kunda Park  

I am excited and enthusiastic about the opportunities on offer for students at the moment! 

In other news, Jack WK, with mum, signing paperwork to begin his School Based Apprenticeship with Sam Patton and Ryan from Ohana Development and Tony Quinn from MEGT. We are so proud of Jack!! Great work! 😊

Heather Hagemann 
Careers and VET Pathways Coordinator
Year 11 & 12 Advisor 

 

IT Department updates

I would like to introduce myself, I am Chris Maker and I have recently commenced at the College as the ICT Manager. I have been working in schools as both an IT Manager and a Teacher for many years. Throughout the year I will be contributing to the newsletter with important updates regarding technology. Later this term, we will introduce our new parent portal and provide instructions on how to setup your new accounts.

The IT Department have been busy setting up over 150 new student computers ready to start the new academic year. During this time, we have been using a Microsoft product called Intune to help us manage the distribution of software. Our aim is to load each student computer in the College with a small piece of software called, Intune Company Portal. This software, made by Microsoft, connects the computer to Office 365 and enables us to load important software without needing to see the students. This includes Office365 apps like Word, Powerpoint, Teams and Outlook. We are also loading Microsoft Defender Anti-Virus and the Naplan Locked Down Browser. Other apps will be loaded as required by teachers.

We will be able ensure that all Macbooks have the required software, however we need parents of Junior school students that have iPads to help us ensure the ‘Intune Company Portal’ app is loaded as a matter of priority. Emails explaining how to load this App have been emailed out, we just require the App to be installed, we will be going to each Year 3 & 5 class next week to configure the app to prepare for Naplan. Please email for a copy of the instructions to install the App if you did not receive them.

Lastly, I have noticed many student Macbooks do not have a protective hard shell cover. These covers significantly reduce the chances of breaking a screen, which are very expensive to repair. There are a few brands of covers on the market, however the best-known brand is ‘STM – Dux’, they are sold at places like JB HiFi. I strongly recommend all students have one of these covers on their Macbook, school life is very tough on their devices!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at c.maker@pbc.qld.edu.au

Year 9/10 Welcome BBQ

JAMES WRIGHT

The first-ever 9/10 Breaktime Sizzle was a hit with students, parents, and teachers alike last Friday. The event, which featured gourmet cooking from the 9/10 Year Advisor Mr. Wright, our science teacher Mr. Rogers, and the school captains, was held on the handball courts at 7:45 which allowed for parents to enjoy the PBC community before work. The light music, rain, and laughter created the perfect atmosphere for socialising and getting to know each other.

Many students reported having leftovers from the sizzle, and some even said that they felt more focused throughout the day thanks to the extra fuel!

“The 9/10 Breaktime Sizzle was a great opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to come together outside of the classroom,” said Principal Dupuy. “We’re already looking forward to making it an semi-annual event.”

The 9/10 Breaktime Sizzle is just one of many initiatives that the school is taking to promote a positive and inclusive school community.

If you’re interested in getting involved in any of these initiatives, please contact the school office.

Movement – Walking Club

The Movement walking groups have kicked off the year with an exhilarating start! We’ve embarked on exciting adventures along the boardwalk in Coolum, venturing to Third Bay. Along the way, we stopped to take in the breathtaking views, encountered various species of lizards and grasshoppers, and observed awe-inspiring surfers from the lookout point.

It’s been heartening to witness our students engaging in lively conversations with peers they may not have interacted with otherwise, all while relishing the fresh air off campus. Our longest trek so far spanned an impressive 2.7 kilometres.

We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and camaraderie displayed by our students during these walks, and we’re looking forward to more memorable adventures as the year unfolds.

Miss H and Mrs Nealand

Library News

Dear Readers

Our very first Grandparents & Friends Junior School Library Book Fundraiser was held last Friday.  It was attended by 72 grandparents and friends and was a gigantic success.   We had a lovely morning of class time, story reading, book browsing, resulting in 43 book donations.  I can honestly say it was one of my favourite days this year. 

It was great to meet so many grandparents on the day.  Thanks to Miss Brooke and Pat (my mum) who helped me bake morning tea, greet guests, organise the book inscriptions and set up and pack down.  

A very special thank you to our guests for donating so many books for our Junior School Library children to read for many years to come.  These will be on display in the coming weeks in the library and ready for students to borrow. 

I look forward to hosting this event in 2025.

Yours in reading every day

Miss Tania

Community Announcements

PBC Primary Art Club

 When – Wednesday’s (During Lunch 12.25pm -1.15pm)

Where – Art Room – building 6

Calling all creative minds to embark on a colourful adventure during lunch breaks each Wednesday!

Our Art Club, run by Miss C each Wednesday, is the perfect haven for young artists to explore their imagination, make new friends, and create some masterpieces!

Students will be offered the creative freedom to express themselves and have access to a variety of art supplies and materials, fostering individuality and self-expression. All materials will be supplied. No experience is necessary! Space will be the only constraint so you may like to ensure you come early enough each week to secure your spot.

Students will also have the opportunity to finish off any ongoing artworks from home or school, in the art space, with the guidance of myself, the Primary Art specialist teacher.

 So… bring a friend, and some lunch and bring your curiosity and passion for art! I can’t wait to see you there.

Junior Choir

The PBC Junior Choir is open to all students in Prep to Year 4, and a perfect place to start learning how to sing. The aims of the Junior Choir are to promote the enjoyment of singing together in a group, to develop vocal confidence and choral skills such as in-tune singing and aural perception, and to build life skills such as mindful listening, empathy, teamwork, and co-operation. Being a part of a cocurricular also teaches responsibility, discipline, and commitment through regular attendance at rehearsals and performances. Junior Choir performs on assemblies each week and at special events. Choir starts in week 2 each term so come along and have a go, we’d love to see you there!

 

Mrs Samantha Ryan

P-8 Music Teacher

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.