Principal’s Report
SHANE DUPUY
Thank you, parents
With 4 weeks of the new school year already done, may I pass on many thanks to our parents and carers for ensuring such a smooth start to the year for our students. Your organisation, consistency, collaboration and similar expectations have enabled our teachers to make great inroads to what promises to be a fantastic year.
For a teacher, it‘s imperative to get underway on time as this often sets the tone for the rest of the day. As I’m sure most readers can understand, particularly those with primary aged school students, getting into a routine quickly and regularly enables them to develop familiarity, confidence, comfort and independence. Chatting with several primary school teachers this past week, they have all mentioned how grateful they are of having parents that are supporting them by having their children here on time, prepared for their day and allowing them to start their programs as soon as the 8:30am bell goes. We love the fact that parents can come into the school and spend time with their children, their friends and chat with other parents in the junior playground before school starts and are so appreciative of the awareness parents display by quickly moving their child to class at the first bell before leaving. It may only seem like a little thing, but it makes a big difference to the teacher’s day. Thank you!
And they’re off
On Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off our Y7 students as they departed for their camp to Boulder Creek. Whilst most students (and staff), were excited to be getting away from the daily grind of in-house lessons, understandably, there were also a few who were a little anxious and unsettled. However, with excellent planning and orientation activities in the lead up to departure day, ALL students are attending. A quick look on the PBC Facebook page shows just how much of a good time the students are having. A huge pat on the back to all staff and families in readying the children for this invaluable learning experience.
Role of coordinators
Aside from our fantastic teachers, PBC is fortunate to have very experienced and professional coordinators. Overseen by Mr. Alec Wareing, Mr. Nigel McDuff and Mrs. Nicola Kerin play an important role in our college. They act as the conduit between the student, teachers and parents. Both leaders focus heavily on supporting the wellbeing of our students and communication with their assigned sectors. They liaise closely with our Guidance Officers, Learning Enhancement Coordinator and Co-Curriculum Coordinator to ensure the holistic development of our students is on track. Families should expect to hear from either Mr. McDuff or Mrs. Kerin should there be a concern with a student. Similarly, you may be contacted just to touch base to discuss the transition of your child to their new school, to celebrate some success or to have an informal chat.
Although only early in the year, both coordinators have done a fantastic job of being out and about, immersing themselves in the classrooms to observe lessons, and in the playground to establish a positive rapport with the students. Their role is integral to the positive relationship PBC continues to foster amongst its community.
College Coordinator Report
ALEC WAREING
Term 1 in Full Swing – A Fantastic Start to 2024!
Term 1 is well underway, and it has been fantastic to see students settling into routines, embracing new challenges, and making the most of school life. With a strong start behind us, we now look ahead to an exciting calendar of events for the rest of the term.
Year 7 Camp – Building Friendships and Confidence
Our Year 7 students have just returned from camp, where they challenged themselves, made new friends, and strengthened their teamwork skills.
As we begin this new chapter at Peregian Beach College, I extend a warm welcome to all our returning families and those joining us for the first time. Our P-12 community is a unique and dynamic environment where students are nurtured, challenged, and inspired to grow as confident learners and compassionate individuals.
Our school values — reflective practice, inclusivity, service of others, and excellence — guide everything we do. These principles remind us that achieving success is not a solitary journey, but a collective effort built on collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
Rare Disease Day
Next Friday, we will recognise Rare Disease Day, raising awareness and showing support for individuals and families affected by rare conditions.
International Women’s Day
Our Service Learning Committee will lead our school’s International Women’s Day celebrations, highlighting the achievements and contributions of women in our community and beyond.
PBC Cross Country – A Day of Fitness and Fun
Our annual Cross Country event is coming up, giving students a chance to compete, stay active, and show their house spirit.
World of Maths Incursions
Students will take part in the interactive World of Maths Incursions, applying their problem-solving skills in fun, hands-on activities.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day will be a time to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the many cultures that make up our school community.
Grandparents’ Day – A Special Celebration
Later this term, we will welcome grandparents to PBC for a special day of connection, appreciation, and shared experiences.
With so much to look forward to, Term 1 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time for everyone at PBC!
Primary School Coordinator Report
NICOLA KERIN
What a wonderful start to the year we have had in the primary school! It has been so encouraging to walk into classrooms from Prep right through to Year 6 and see happy, engaged, respectful learners.
For those of you who don’t know me, I would like to introduce myself and tell you a bit about my role this year as the Primary School Coordinator. This role will replace the Prep – Year 2, Year 3 and 4, and Year 5 and 6 Coordinator roles which were last year held by myself, Miss Savannah Davis and Mrs Amber Garratt.
As we approach the halfway mark for Term 1, I am consistently reminded how settled classes are and how engaged students are in their learning.
Our Preps are thriving and are becoming experts at their morning routines. This week I joined them for their morning song, and it is clear they have already learnt so much about school life. Year 1 are really enjoying their hands on learning for maths using our new Learning Through Doing program with lots of fabulous ways to display and consolidate their maths knowledge and skills. Year 2 is a wonderfully busy classroom; I love walking in after a break time and catching them using their Grow Your Mind breathing strategies to get their brains ready for optimum learning.
Year 3 have established many great routines in their class, and it has been particularly lovely to see new friendships develop with both new and returning PBC students. Year 4 have been working on maths mentals and building their number fluency – a particularly important skill for this year level. Year 5 have been enhancing their storytelling using a variety of language features in their writing. I look forward to reading some of their stories where they showcase their knowledge of descriptive language. Year 6 have been enjoying their class novel study, ‘Wonder’, and have been engaging with it in many ways in the classroom. It was lovely to see their enjoyment as they read their novels together in their library lessons this week.
The next few weeks in the Primary sector will see Year 3 and Year 5 begin preparations for NAPLAN. While formal practice tests will occur next week, our teachers will continue teaching the regular curriculum while integrating learning skills and strategies to support students in accessing the NAPLAN tests in Week 7. Our main message to our students is to come to school well rested and energised to try their best on the day. We will remind students of the Grow Your Mind character strengths of perseverance, self-regulation and perspective and we will remind them that these NAPLAN tests are a ‘snapshot in time’ and do not define who they are. I am sure all our Year 3 and Year 5 students will take it in their stride and give it their best, and I look forward to supporting them on their journey.
Finally from me, thank you to parents and families for our wonderful start to the year. Your support in having your children ready to go for the start of the school year has been paramount in the smooth and settled way we have begun 2025.
Student Services
Parenting in the digital age
Worried about how to help your child navigate the online world while keeping them safe. You are not alone. Research conducted by eSafety found that parents have a number of concerns about their child being online, including exposure to inappropriate content, contact with strangers and cyberbullying. The research also found that most parents lack confidence in their ability to deal with negative online experiences.
The eSafety Commissioner was established to help Australians have safe, enjoyable experiences online. The eSafety website is a great starting place to learn how you can support and protect your child in the online world. The website has a wealth of information on the big online issues faced by children of all ages. It includes an eSafety guide for all the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report inappropriate content. It also includes advice and tips for parents including the following 5 tips to keep your family safe online:
- Start the talk. Get into the habit of talking about online safety as a family, so your child feels comfortable coming to you.
- Create a family technology agreement. Your agreement could cover things like: time limits, apps your kids are allowed to use and online behaviour.
- Set up parental controls. These are software tools that allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online.The website includes guides on different parental control options and how to set them up.
- Choose games and other apps carefully. It is important to think about the positives and negatives when your child asks to download a new game or other app. The online guide covers things like age ratings, managing privacy settings and reporting abuse in-app.
- Use digital technology together.
More detailed information on these tips can be found here.
Inclusion
Growth Looks Different for Everyone: Embracing Diverse Learning at PBC
At PBC, we understand that growth is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Every student’s journey is unique, and growth manifests in different ways for each of our students. Whether academic, social, or emotional, we recognise and celebrate the diverse paths our students take as they develop and thrive.
My role at PBC is to support this growth by ensuring that every student—especially those with learning differences and disabilities—has access to the tools, strategies, and environment they need to succeed. Growth might look like a student mastering a new concept, gaining confidence in their abilities, or becoming more engaged in class discussions. For others, growth might involve building resilience or learning to advocate for themselves. Whatever form it takes, we focus on providing personalised support and creating an inclusive environment where each student can learn and flourish.
At PBC, we ensure that learning experiences are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. This means sometimes making small adjustments in teaching strategies for the whole class or, at other times, providing individualised plans for students who need more targeted support. Personalised Learning Plans can be viewed through the Daymap Parent Portal; I will be in touch soon with a schedule for reviewing Personalised Plans across each Year Level.
Next week, our literacy circles (MiniLit and SAGE) for Years 1 & 2 will begin, and Years 3-6 will start in Week 6. In primary, we will continue with the InitiaLit and MiniLit programs introduced in 2024. In 2025, we’ve launched Learning Through Doing and Oxford Maths across the school. Every Maths classroom across the college now has access to class sets of concrete resources, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that bring abstract concepts to life and lay a solid foundation for future learning.
At PBC, we embrace the idea that growth looks different for everyone. We celebrate each student’s progress, knowing that every step forward, no matter how unique, is a meaningful achievement in their personal learning journey. Thank you to the college families who contributed succulents to our Learning HUB in Building 4! Growth is a central theme in our Wellbeing Programs, such as Grow Your Mind and The Resilience Project; these plants serve as a symbolic reminder of that. As our students watch the plants flourish throughout 2025, they will also witness their own growth at PBC, building resilience and thriving in their learning journey.
Warm regards,
Janine Olsen
Learning Enhancement Coordinator
Spotlight on Careers and VET Pathways
Spotlight on Careers and Pathways
University Headstart Pathway 
Last year we had three students successfully complete a University Headstart subject, which has made us very proud. Participating in the Uni Headstart program while still in high school offers numerous advantages. Students gain early exposure to university education, which helps them adjust to the academic expectations of higher education. They can earn credits toward a UniSC degree, potentially reducing their future study load and associated costs. Successfully completing two or more Headstart courses guarantees entry into most UniSC degrees, provided Year 12 is also completed. Additionally, students can enhance their performance at school by learning new academic skills and accessing extra study resources. Students gain valuable academic experience and credits applicable to their future university studies. It’s important to note that benefits such as direct entry and QCE points may vary depending on the policies of other universities. Please come and see me if you are interested in more information about a Uni Headstart course.
UniSC Headstart Graduates – Semester 2, 2024
| Student | Headstart subject |
| Morgan S | Music Performance 1 |
| Taj A | Engineering Design |
| Lucia F | Introduction to Criminology |
Students undertaking a Uni Headstart subject in Semester 1, 2025
| Student | Headstart subject |
| Thomas C (UniSC) | Programming Fundamentals |
| Nate M (UniSC) | Introduction to Songwriting and Production |
| Ella PG (CQUni) | Foundations of Animation – Digital Media |
What opportunities are we offering our seniors this term in Careers & Pathways?
This year we are continuing with our Careers and Pathways program for our senior, non-Academy students in Grade 11 and 12. Students will engage in various activities designed to enhance their communication, critical thinking, and confidence. The planned workshops develop the skills and confidence necessary to excel in their chosen pathway and advance their career readiness.
This fortnight we had Tristan, a UniSC Ambassador, come to the College to speak to students in the Year 11/12 Mind and Movement session. Students completed a quiz to identify their learning styles, and were given some helpful advice around study skills, positive mindsets, leadership. resilience, and the importance of a “Plan B”.
Careers and VET Pathways Calendar for Term 1
| Date | Item | Description |
| Week 4 (21 Feb) | Careers Advisors’ Breakfast with the ADF | The most up to date information for Career Practitioners from the ADF trainers and intake officers, including pathways for females and identified students. |
| Week 5 (25 Feb) | ADF College Visit | Year 11 / 12 students will have an opportunity to hear about the Career opportunities & pathways with ADF |
| Week 6 (6 Mar) | Interview Skills Workshop | Staff from regional Training will be engaging senior students in various activities designed to enhance their communication, critical thinking, and confidence. |
| Week 7 (13 Mar) | UniSC Pathways workshop and discussion | Pathway options into university, and insight into studying at UniSC and course offerings available to all students. |
| Week 8 (20 Mar) | Tertiary Accommodation Expo @ St Andrew’s | Students and staff are invited from 4pm to visit the Student Accommodation booths and speak with University reps about living on campus for Uni life. |
Service Learning Pathways news
This month we launch our Service-Learning initiative, with the formation of the Service Learning Committee at PBC. Staff and students will come together to formalise and live out our R.I.S.E. pillar of “Service to Others.” Service Learning is an educational approach that combines academic objectives with meaningful community service, fostering civic responsibility and personal growth among students. To inaugurate this program, we will host a ‘Pancakes and Pastries’ picnic on Friday, March 7, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day. We will have information out next week about pre-ordering the delicious pancakes and pastries, so stay tuned! This event encourages students to engage with and give back to the community, embodying the spirit of service that our College values.
Community Pathways Student news – UK Football League Legend!
We also congratulate Abbie Lutton in my Homeroom, who has found success in her recent UK Football trials in Stoke. Her journey to this achievement 
is a testament to her unwavering resilience, effort, and dedication to the sport and to herself. Abbie has faced intense training schedules, rigorous selection processes, and the challenges of competing at an international level, yet she has approached every obstacle with determination and a growth mindset. Her perseverance in the face of adversity reflects the College’s R.I.S.E. pillars, particularly Service, as she inspires her peers through her leadership and dedication, and Excellence, as she consistently strives to be the best version of herself on and off the field. Abbie’s achievement not only highlights her talent and hard work but also serves as a wonderful example to the Peregian Beach College community of what can be accomplished through passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to success. Here is Abbie’s story of her Football experience in the UK recently.
With the help of MeIvyn Wilkes, the Sporting Director of Sunshine Coast Fire, I was given an opportunity to trial at Stoke City football club for the U16s girls and U21s women’s teams. I trialled for eight sessions over the two weeks with both teams and warmed up with the U21s before their final. I also had the opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines. I was able to train at the Stoke City Academy Dome and was shown around their Academy facility which comprised of gyms, hydro pools, a cafeteria, video analysis rooms and much more. Though I enjoyed the training, it was extremely cold which was very new to me as I am used to 35-38 degree weather. Overall, I was welcomed by the ladies and staff and was even presented with a Stoke City playing and training kit, for which I was most thankful. I enjoyed every moment of this experience, and I am hoping to fulfil my dream of one day becoming a professional football player, however, there is still more to come.
Abbie Lutton
For Careers, VET and Pathways Advice…
I love meeting with parents and students to discuss pathways and support students as they explore exciting career opportunities they wish to pursue. To make an appointment with me to discuss Careers and VET Pathway options, please email me, or telephone me via the College Office. We can arrange a day and time that is suitable for us both and appointments will take place in L3 in the library.
“Empower your journey, explore your potential, and pave your path to success! Keep striving, keep learning, and keep reaching for your dreams. Your future awaits!”
Mrs Heather Hagemann
Careers & VET Pathways Advisor
MIND
The Parachute Drop
In the MIND STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) group, students were tasked with designing an object capable of floating or flying from a height and landing safely. Throughout the activity, they explored key scientific concepts such as gravity, air resistance, and drag. The children enjoyed working together as a team and learned valuable lessons about the importance of failure in the learning process. They discovered that modification and perseverance are key to improvement, making the journey of trial and error both exciting and educational. I can’t wait to see how they tackle the next challenge!
Mrs Garratt
Story Dogs
Dear Parents, Family and Friends
Our school is interested in partnering with Story Dogs, a national reading and literacy support program.
HOWEVER – WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Do you have a calm dog and a passion for helping students with their reading skills?
The school needs volunteers and their dogs to read with Year 2 students to support them to become confident, lifelong readers.
The Story Dogs Mission
‘To make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.
No child should be left behind in literacy.’
The Program
When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing!
It is a non-judgemental setting, the children’s focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open-up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog. Woof!
Reading sessions take place in a quiet area of the school grounds, such as the library or outside the classroom. A reading session is approximately 20 minutes long, where each child is one-on-one with the dog team.
Story Dogs handlers are volunteers, trained to encourage emergent readers. This ensures the handler will not judge the child and will help in a non-threatening way.
The children are usually Year 2 students who are chosen by the school’s teachers. Parental consent is required before a child can participate in the program.
Story Dogs Facts
Story Dog Teams help over 3,000 children each week across more than 380 schools across Australia – approximately 50 of them on the Sunshine Coast!
Is this you?
If you are able to volunteer a couple of hours a week, are keen to help foster literacy with young children and have a calm dog, please check the criteria at https://www.storydogs.org.au/how-to-volunteer and then if you wish to proceed contact Mel Jones for more information:
Mob: 0411 274 892
Email: melj@storydogs.org.au
LIBRARY NEWS
Dear Readers
Our Year 6 students have been reading Wonder by R J Palacio. It doesn’t matter who I ask, “are you enjoying your novel?” the answer is always YES! The central message of Wonder is the importance of kindness. This heart-warming story makes its readers aspire to be kinder people. A good read!
BOOK CLUB NEWS
Thank you to those families who made a Scholastic Book Club purchase from our first magazine of the year. Issue 1 orders closed on Monday and I expect the purchases to be here within a fortnight.
Yours in reading every day
Miss Tania
Canteen News
The new menu has been very well received, and we appreciate your support of our canteen.
We are currently experiencing some issues with the app and apologise for any inconvenience. We hope to have this resolved in the next few days. In the meantime, students can place their orders over the counter before school.
For late orders, we now offer a lunch pack that includes a sandwich, muffin, chips, and a drink for $8.00.
If you have some free time and would like to volunteer, we would love to have your help!
Helen
Canteen Manager
Movement
Exciting Progress in Our School MOVEMENT Kayaking Program!
Our school’s Movement kayaking program has truly taken off this term, and we are thrilled to share the progress of our students! Each Thursday, our students have been hitting the water with enthusiasm and commitment, eager to embrace the challenges and joys of kayaking.
From the very start, the students have been excited to dive into the experience. It’s been incredible to see them develop their skills each week—gaining strength, improving their balance, and refining their strokes. Early lessons focused on essential techniques, including rolling and rescuing, which the students demonstrated with great determination. Now, as the weeks pass, they are steadily working through the various stages of stroke development, all while enhancing their fitness and mastering kayak control on the water.
As the program progresses, we’ve noticed some outstanding growth, with several students standing out for their potential and skill. We are excited to see a group of rising stars, or “high flyers,” with the possibility of identifying talented individuals for future school competitions. Their dedication and progress show great promise, and we are eager to see how they continue to develop over the coming months.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the prospect of entering a PBC Kayak Team team into upcoming School Competitions later in the year. With the progress we’ve already seen, we’re confident that our students will be ready to shine and represent our school in a fun, challenging, and rewarding event!
We can’t wait to see what the next few weeks bring as our students continue to strengthen their kayaking skills. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey!
Mrs Samantha Ryan
Teacher
Peregian Beach College
Save the Date
Rare Disease Day
We will once again be supporting Rare Disease Day.
🌟 Rare Disease Day 2025: #ShowYourStripes and celebrate #RainbowsForRare! 🌈
On Friday 28 February, join us in raising awareness and celebrating the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. Students are invited to wear rainbow stripes or vibrant colours as a fun way to show support, spark conversations, and build on our beautiful inclusive community at PBC.
This special day is close to our hearts as we stand with Coolum girl, Tallulah Moon Whitrod, and families like hers who are fighting for life-changing treatments. This event supports Our Moon’s Mission, the local rare disease foundation founded by Tallulah’s parents, Chris and Golden Whitrod, dedicated to funding a cure for SPG56.
This is an opportunity for our school to foster understanding, compassion, and inclusivity—creating an environment where children with rare diseases are celebrated, supported, and naturally included in everyday life.
Let’s make Friday, 28 February a day of unity, hope, and bold colours! #ShowYourStripes and celebrate the unique people of our world. 💙🌍
Primary Updates and Award Recipients
Kindy Vacancies
Peregian Kids
Housekeeping
School Administration Housekeeping.
- The email address to use for all correspondence relating to student absences is absentees@pbc.qld.edu.au. You can also lodge an absence via the form on the website located here.
- Correspondence from the College will generally be sent out from admin@pbc.qld.edu.au. 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 8.30 am, alternatively feel free to visit our canteen to order with our staff.
- 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.