Principal’s Report
SHANE DUPUY
And just like that, we’re halfway through March with only 2 weeks before the end of term. Since our last newsletter, PBC students have been treated to a holistic education in every sense of the word. The experiences and opportunities presented will ensure our students are continually immersed in an engaging and learning environment. These experiences have included:
This Issue
World of Maths Incursion
Last Monday, our Middle School students were treated to a range of problem-solving tasks which were set up in the Kelly Library. After a brief introduction, students worked together in small groups to test themselves against some real-world problems. The links between concepts learnt in the classroom and presented via the activities, enabled students to make connections relating to a range of occupations.
Japanese Visitors
Over the past 2 weeks, we have had 2 groups of Japanese students join us at the College. One group were 9 female university students, who came into the Year 6 classrooms and engaged with the students whilst completing some origami and playing traditional Japanese games. A second group of 31 teenage students, were shared amongst our Year 7 and 8 classrooms. I was delighted with the efforts all staff and students went to ensuring our visitors felt welcomed. A special thanks to Mrs. Williams for creating opportunities for PBC students to be immersed in the Japanese culture.
Maleny Dairies Excursion
Our Year 2 students travelled in our new College coach out to Maleny Dairies. They were able to experience the process of where some of the products they consume at home daily comes from. This ‘hands on’ style of learning is an invaluable opportunity for students to consolidate what they have been discussing in the classroom.
Mr Wright’s Year 11 Maths
I noted with interest the lengths Mr. Wright was going to for his Year 11 Maths students. Presumably, the focus was on measurement, and Mr. Wright had sourced architectural drawings for one of the college buildings, for the students to reference. Similar to the experiences presented to the Middle School students earlier in the week, this real-world problem-solving, faced by a host of trades in the building industry, brings relevance to concepts taught in the classroom.
Whilst students are currently completing a range of assessment tasks to demonstrate their understanding of what they have been taught thus far, I am delighted with the range of learning opportunities our highly skilled teachers are presenting to our students. This variety will assist all learners in the consolidation of concepts discussed.
Teacher Projects
The College Board have approved the introduction of several after school activities starting in Term 2. These include:
- E-sports and Robotics – Mr. Cahalan
- Computer Coding Club – Mr. Schjelde
- Dungeons and Dragons – Mr. Schjelde
- Art Academy – Mrs. Macnicol
Further details outlining days, session times and a booking process will be shared in our next newsletter. It is anticipated sessions will begin immediately at the end of the school day and cost will be $10 per student each week.
NAPLAN 2023, We’re almost done!
Some students, and most teachers, are celebrating the imminent end of NAPLAN for 2023. Students in Years 3,5,7 and 9 have been working diligently to complete the national testing process and we have been proud of our students’ preparedness and efforts. With the completion of the Literacy components, we only have the Numeracy task to complete on Monday. Well done to all!
Middle/Senior School
ASHLEIGH MORRISON
The importance of Connection
Connection, both inside and outside of the classroom, is an essential and necessary practice in building and maintaining safe and supportive school environments. As I walk around the playground, in and out of classrooms, into the administration building, connection is what I see, hear and feel. Connection between teachers and students, particularly outside of the confines of the classroom, has such a strong and lasting impact on students, teachers and the entire school community. When students and teachers connect in the playground, at camp, at sports activities, on excursions, the sense of community is strengthened with each and every positive interaction.
Connections between teachers and students in more informal settings have been proven to;
- Improve Communication: The playground is a more relaxed setting than the classroom, which can make it easier for students to communicate with their teachers. When students feel comfortable talking to their teachers outside of the classroom, they may be more likely to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Build positive Relationships: Connection with teachers on excursions and camps can help students build positive relationships with their teachers. When students see their teachers as approachable and friendly, they are more likely to feel supported and valued.
- Model positive behaviour: Teachers can model positive behaviour outside of the mainstream curriculum, such as playing fair, showing good sportsmanship, and resolving conflicts peacefully. When students see their teachers behaving positively, they are more likely to adopt those behaviors themselves.
- Increased Engagement: When teachers engage with students as sports coaches, debating coaches and mentors it can help to increase student engagement and motivation. Students may feel more invested in their school community when they see their teachers taking an active interest in their well-being and development.
With all this in mind Senior school Camps are fast approaching. This will be an amazing experience to strengthen the bonds between teachers and students as well as create new and deeper connections between the peer group. I really look forward to seeing our 9-12 students take advantage of this experience to strengthen their connection.
Harmony Day
Thank you to Miss Eadie for spearheading this year’s Harmony day celebrations. Students will be invited to wear a Guernsey or favourite band T-shirt on Friday 24th March to recognise diversity whilst supporting inclusivity, respect and enhance our sense of belonging.
Sporting Achievements
ALEC WAREING
We are thrilled to announce some fantastic sporting achievements by our students here at PBC. It is always a proud moment for us to see our students excel not just academically, but also in sports.
Japanese News
SAMANTHA WILLIAMS
On Monday 6th March, 9 Japanese students from Gifu Women’s Education University visited our college. These ladies visited our Year 6 classes. They taught various activities such as Karuta (Japanese card game) about famous food and places, beautiful origami, and traditional Japanese children’s games. It was such a fun, enjoyable and highly valuable experience for our college students. Our students were able to practise their Japanese and experience a real-world connection with the students from Gifu University. It was a great morning for all!
Prep
TENIELE ADLER
Prep have been very busy during our Maths lessons! Last week we celebrated 30 days of learning and had a special visit form Zero the Hero. We used informal units to measure The Gruffalo’s foot, created AB, ABC and AAB patterns and went on a number hunt around our college, ending up in Mr Dupuy’s office! No wonder we are all tired.
Year 3
PETA GOLDING
St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Year 3
Year 3G celebrated St Patrick’s Day in the classroom today. The class have been learning about Australian celebrations and commemorations in their History lessons this term so it was nice to learn about and experience a celebration from another part of the world. The class participated in Irish dancing, learnt about the history behind St Patrick’s Day and even made Shamrock Leprechaun Hats. After completing three NAPLAN tests this week, it was a wonderful way to end the week for Year 3G.
Year 5
HEATH CAHALAN
Digital Technology
We have been busy this Term building and coding Robotic Lego! Each week, students have been assigned a group task and work together to successfully complete it.
During this process, students have refined their 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking… all while playing with Lego. Cool!
Staff Profile
JEANNETTE TOLOMEO
| Staff Name: | Jeannette Tolomeo |
| Where did you go to school? | St Patrick’s College – Campbelltown NSW |
| What was your favourite subject at school? | Textiles and Design |
| What is your favourite food? | Pasta |
| What are your hobbies? | Sewing, reading, walks on the beach, cooking, meditating |
| Fun fact about you? | I sew most of my own clothes! In 1994 I owned a designer children’s wear label – It was called “Hoipoloi” |
KATE HANSELL
| Staff Name: | Kate Hansell (Miss Kate to the students) |
| Where did you go to school? | I was born in England and attended Friesland School in Nottingham. |
| What is your favourite food? |
I love most food! One of my favourite hobbies is visiting new restaurants with friends. Coffee is my kryptonite. I can’t bear the taste! |
| What are your hobbies? | I love spending time with my two dogs, Max and Roxy. They are both rescue dogs. I also love to travel and try to go ‘home’ to England once a year to visit family. |
| Fun fact about you? | I surprised my family by having a secret wedding. No one knew about it until the night before. |
UNIFORMS
Student Services
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.