Principal’s Report

SHANE DUPUY

PBC Spirit

With the threat of Cyclone Alfred looming, it was an unexpected opportunity for the college community to come together to prepare our defence against destructive winds and torrential rain that could have inundated our site. Our wholehearted thanks go out to all those who sprang into action at a moment’s notice, to ensure we were as well-protected as possible. Long time college builder, supporter and friend, Greg Henry, organised heavy equipment to literally move mountains of dirt to create a levy to ensure water courses could drain expected waters offsite. Greg worked tirelessly over the course of the week for which we are forever grateful. Thanks also to college handyman Damo, and those parents who assisted groundsmen Michael, Pepe and Josh in the coordination of sandbagging the Kindy building and B3. Finally, we must also thank Melvyn Wilkes, coaches Ben, Tom, Shoi, Bruno and Josh, along with our ‘orange army’ of academy students who were quick to jump in to fill and cart sandbags. Without the support of these community-minded volunteers, the task most certainly would have been insurmountable. A fine example of PBC spirit for all to embrace.

Primary Interviews

A couple of weeks ago, Primary School parents and students had the opportunity to meet with their teachers to discuss their start to the year. Whilst most conversations centred around the student’s preparedness and habits for learning, it was also a great opportunity to touch base to discuss academic progress and social interactions. From all reports, there was terrific feedback from both parties. These opportunities are a great way to consolidate one of the foundation principles of the college, to build positive relationships and communication with our families. Thank you to both those families who took the time to meet up with their child’s teacher, and to the teaching staff who took many hours in preparation to inform families of their child’s progress.

A testing time

Over the past 2 weeks, many of our students have been asked to complete both internal and external testing. Students in Years 3,5,7 and 9 all completed the Naplan testing, whilst our Y11 students have completed their internal exam block. There is a great deal of work to do to prepare our students for these events. Thank you to the teachers for their meticulous unit planning to ensure all students are exposed to the relevant content that is presented on the tests and exams. Thanks also Mr. Wareing, Mr. McDuff, Mrs. Kerin, Shae, Simon and Shane B, who spent hours behind the scenes inputting data, testing tech, arranging timetables, informing staff and preparing workspaces, to ensure events ran smoothly on testing days. I look forward to receiving positive results in the coming months.

Rare Disease Day

On February 28, our community came together to ‘show our stripes’ in support of Rare Disease Day. It was fantastic to see some many of our students in a wide variety of colourful clothes, and to learn more about this worthy cause. Thanks to Chris, Finn and Tallulah for coming to our assembly to share information about Rare Diseases, and to the many families that donated baked goods to our Bake Sale. Finally, a huge thank you to our PIPS volunteers who manned the stalls and were very busy on the day. With over $2000 raised, it was a great honour to represent PBC when handing over the cheque at our Primary assembly. Well done to all.

College Coordinator Report

ALEC WAREING

While our school newsletter highlights the amazing achievements of our student body, it is also a place recognise the dedication and hard work of our amazing staff.

This fortnight, I want to highlight Hayley and Jacqui from our Guidance Team for their outstanding efforts in coordinating our Harmony Day celebrations.

Harmony Day was a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate diversity. Thanks to Hayley and Jacqui’s careful planning, both students and staff took part in meaningful activities that promoted inclusivity and respect.

One of the more special elements of this year’s celebration was our Harmony Tree, located at the front of the school. As part of the event, students participated in a short in-class discussion about the significance of Harmony Day before writing their name and cultural origin on an orange ribbon, which was then tied to the tree. By the end of the day, our Harmony Tree stood as a vibrant and powerful symbol of the diverse cultural backgrounds that make our school so unique. Thank you, Hayley and Jacqui.

Furthermore, I would like to recognise Rebecca Davies for the incredible work she has been doing in her new role as Primary School Pedagogy Advisor.

Since stepping into this position, Rebecca has been instrumental in supporting teachers, improving school curriculum, and ensuring our students receive the best possible learning experiences. Her commitment to professional development and continuous improvement is truly inspiring.

In addition to her work within the school, Rebecca is also giving up her own time to attend the EduTech Conference—Australia’s national educational technology conference. This prestigious two-day event in June brings together teachers from across the country to explore innovations in classroom technology, ICT management, and specialist subjects. By attending, Rebecca is not only expanding her own expertise but also bringing back valuable insights that will benefit both staff and students. Thank you, Rebecca.

Primary School Coordinator Report

NICOLA KERIN

Dear Parents and Families,

The Primary School continues to be a buzz of happy, engaged learners. The number of students who approach me in the playground telling me they have received a Golden Emu is countless, and this is evidence of our students demonstrating our school expectations of being safe, respectful, considerate learners, as well as displaying our RISE values.

For those parents who have joined us for our Primary Assembly this term, you will have noticed not only the number of students receiving Golden Emus, but also our fortnightly class awards, Grow Your Mind and RISE. Our Grow Your Mind award is for a student who has displayed our weekly character strength in an outstanding way or who has worked hard on actively using their Grow Your Mind toolbox of strategies to ensure their brain is functioning optimally with all ‘animals’ working in harmony together. Our RISE award is for a student who has stood out when displaying one or more of our school values – reflective practice, inclusivity, service of others and excellence. Students are aiming high, and it is wonderful to see our students’ achievements celebrated each fortnight.

Last month we supported Rare Disease Day with a rainbow stripes free dress day and highly anticipated bake sale! Thank you to parents who donated baked goods, students who supported with their colourful dress to show everyone is unique and individual, and to our wonderful PIPS volunteers who hosted and ran our bake sale for our students. It was a very successful day! Last week at Primary Assembly we were able to present ‘Our Moon’s Mission’ with a cheque for $2056.30 as the fundraised amount raised by Peregian Beach College. We are thrilled to maintain our relationship with the Whitrod family, and it is always special when they are able to join us.

Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who have successfully completed their NAPLAN tests. Students were on time to class, well prepared and settled quickly ready to begin and do their best. The pre-NAPLAN healthy snacks were well received and a wonderful opportunity to offer some words of encouragement, calm some nerves and fuel their brains each morning!

Some upcoming events to look forward to in the Primary School include Cross Country, Bulu Yabun cultural workshops, World of Maths incursion and the P-3 Easter family picnic. I am looking forward to joining each of these events as we near the end of a fantastic first term for 2025!

Finally, from me, it was lovely to see so many parents around the college meeting with class teachers and discussing how their child has settled in for the year. There is lots to celebrate and it helps to have some personalised time for teachers to get to know their learners that little bit better, from the people in their life who know them best. We truly value partnerships with parents and thank you for your support in your child’s learning and wellbeing journey.

Secondary School Coordinator Report

NIGEL MCDUFF

Year 7 Camp   

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Year 7 Camp at Boulder Creek with our Year 7 cohort.  The first day of camp was spent on site at the College working with Y-Lead on developing student’s personal skills and leadership attributes.  Following that day, we travelled to Boulder Creek and four days and three nights of adventure activities where students focused on teamwork, problem solving, group dynamics and personal challenges.  The students (and the staff) had a great few days and it was really beneficial for me to get to know the students and see them in this environment outside school.

Naplan

This week we conducted our Naplan tests for Years 3, 5, 7, 9.  The students completed their Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy tests on the first four days of the Naplan testing window.  It is pleasing to report that it all ran very smoothly, and we experienced no issues with our network or internet connections.  It is quite a long wait until we see results from ACARA, with the expected date planned for November.

Yr 11 Exam Block

This week we also conducted two days of Year 11 Exams.  These exams are the first step of our students on their way through their QCE and ATAR pathways.  Now completed, the students can start on their content for Unit 2.

Presentation from “So Brave”

This Friday in assembly, our Year 10-12 students have a guest speaker from So Brave, Australia’s Young Women’s Breast Cancer Charity.  So Brave is passionate about raising awareness in young women and this session will investigate important health topics around General Health Literacy and Self Health Advocacy in young people. So Brave want to begin a dialogue about key health topics affecting young people – including body positivity and health advocacy and to raise breast awareness among the next generation of our future leaders.

PBC Cross Country

A reminder to students and families that our school cross country is Tuesday (25th March).  Students have the option to complete the cross country course competitively and compete for age champion, or to complete the course at a slower pace and gain points for their house.  We look forward to all students participating in this event and generating some great house spirit.

Personalised Planning 2025

Personalised Planning for 2025,  I would like to take this opportunity to share some key information about this process. Plans may be put in place for varied individual learning needs that require ongoing support. Such plans may include Personalised Learning Plans, Positive Behaviour Support Plans and Break Time Plans.

A Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) outlines the individualised support a student requires throughout the school day in the domains of social-emotional, environment, behaviour, curriculum, assessment, communication, and physical support.  

Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) outlines the strategies and adjustments a student requires to follow PBC norms.

Break Time Plans – outlines the strategies and supports required during break times.

If the College determines that your child requires a plan, a member of the Student Services Team will contact you directly to discuss this process further. Plans are updated annually or more frequently if required in collaboration with parents and caregivers.

Personalised Planning Meetings Schedule for Semester 1, 2025:

  • Years 11-12: Term 1 (Weeks 9 & 10), Term 2 (Weeks 1 & 2)
  • Years 7-10:     Term 2 (Weeks 2-5)
  • Primary:           Meetings will be held throughout the year as required; the classroom teacher will also be part of the meeting along with a member of the Student Services Team

Schoolzine meeting links (for secondary students only) will be coming out via email during the coming week. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email.

Student Services

Grow Your Mind @ Home

Have you discovered the Grow Your Mind Podcast? Hosted by kids for kids, the young hosts use storytelling, interviews with adult experts and humour to increase children’s understanding of their mental health and ways to be resilient.

Season 5, Episode 2 – Belonging and Inclusion are BFFs.

In this episode three true stories are shared about kids/young people living with a disability. The episode offers listeners a rich understanding of not only what belonging and inclusion mean but also how it feels. Listen to this episode here.

The Imperfects Podcast – we are all imperfect.  On this podcast, founder of The Resilience Project Hugh van Cuylenburg, his good friend Ryan Shelton, and Josh van Cuylenburg, talk to a variety of interesting people who vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections, or expertly pass on their wisdom on the subject of imperfection.

In a recent episode of The Imperfects, psychologist Maria Ruberto talks about one of the most important parts of our day: sleep.

Starting off with the biology of sleep, Maria takes us through how we get to sleep, what happens when we sleep, and why we desperately need to sleep for good health and longevity. With metaphors galore to make the science as relatable as possible, Maria discusses the role of melatonin, the impact of screens on our suprachiasmatic nucleus and whether it’s it worth cutting your sleep short to exercise?  You can access The Imperfects Podcast here.

Pedagogies

This year, we introduced two new maths resources in the primary school: Oxford Mathsand Learning Through Doing. These provide a consistent basis for best teaching practice that goes beyond the textbook. As the school’s Pedagogy Advisor (Prep-Year 6), my role is to support teachers in aligning their practice with the science of learning, ensuring our maths instruction is both effective and engaging.

Effective maths instruction combines explicit teaching, hands-on learning, and problem-solving. In the early years of primary school, you may see a handprint on some pages of the textbook, showing that children learnt this concept using hands-on materials, including those from Learning Through Doing. These materials help students make abstract maths ideas concrete, allowing children to have a deep understanding of core concepts. In the upper primary years, children continue using these materials but increasingly move to working examples on whiteboards and in grid books as a class before completing questions independently in Oxford Maths.

In our classrooms at PBC, we ensure that every child’s learning needs are met through differentiated instruction. Both programs were chosen for their accessibility for students at all levels, allowing every child to engage meaningfully with the content, whether they need additional support or are ready for further challenges. Teachers also continue to provide high-quality differentiation through support/extension materials, additional support, and flexible groupings.

We look forward to continuing this journey and seeing our students thrive as mathematical learners!

Rebecca Davies

Pedagogy Advisor and Teacher

Spotlight on Careers and VET Pathways

Spotlight on Careers and Pathways

ADF Careers Workshop

Over the last fortnight, students had the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) during an engaging workshop led by Brad and his team. The session covered over 300 career opportunities available across the Navy, Army, and Air Force, highlighting the various entry pathways, including the one-year paid Gap Year program, trade roles, and officer training. Students gained valuable insights into eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of ADF service, such as paid university degrees and the Ready Reserves option. With firsthand knowledge of career progression and lifestyle advantages, attendees left with a clearer understanding of how the ADF could offer a rewarding and dynamic future. We will welcome the Career Education Team back to the College in Term 2, for our Subject Selection evening, open to all families.

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Opportunities

The following electrical apprenticeships are also available to interested students, so please come and see me if you would like more information. This could be the start of an exciting career for you!

TRADE POSITION LOCATION
Auto Electrician Apprentice – Junior Auto Electrics

Sunshine Coast
Electrician 1st, 2nd, 3rd Years Apprentices REES Sports Lighting

Sunshine Coast
Electrical Mechanic Apprentice Kawana Rewinds
Auto Electrician Junior Apprentice Accelerate Auto Electrics, Maroochydore

Aurora Training Institute provides an exciting opportunity for students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 to kick-start their careers while still at school. Offering nationally recognized Certificate qualifications in Hospitality, Commercial Cookery, and Business, Aurora allows students to “study, learn, and earn on the job.” Through hands-on training and workplace experience, students can replace a day at school with a practical career pathway, gaining industry-relevant skills and real-world experience across the Sunshine Coast. This program is a fantastic way for students to build their future while working towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). For a full list of the vacancies available to School students, please come and see Mrs Hagemann in the Careers Hub (in the library), or email: h.hagemann@pbc.qld.edu.au.

Why study Headstart?

  • Gain credit towards your UniSC degree
  • Save money! The first Headstart course is free, and your second course is only $400
  • Prepare for and get a taste of university
  • Gain QCE points
  • Broaden your education
  • Explore a subject you’re interested in before committing to a full degree
  • Receive a subject bonus adjustment (1 rank per course) to be applied to your ATAR score or selection rank
  • Use your Headstart study as a pathway option to get into your future degree

Are you ready to make a start on your future?

Join us at our Headstart Information Evening where we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the program, including how Year 10 students can now enrol in Semester 2.

Headstart gives school students a real university experience, allowing you to study first-year Uni subjects and possibly receive credit to take time off your degree. UniSC will cover the cost of the first course and additional courses are only $400, so you’ll also save money on your full degree! You’ll also hear from Headstart students who will talk about their experience and provide tips for what to expect.

Headstart Evenings:

UniSC Moreton Bay – Thursday 20 March 2025, 4.30–6.00pm

Online – Wednesday 26 March 2025, 5.30–6.30pm

 

Service Learning Committee

Celebrating Service and Solidarity at PBC

At Peregian Beach College, our Service-Learning Committee (SLC) is dedicated to making a difference—one event at a time. The SLC brings together students and staff to create meaningful opportunities for community engagement, personal growth, and giving back. Our mission is to embed service learning into the heart of PBC, ensuring that kindness, leadership, and action are part of our everyday school culture.

To kick off 2025, the SLC hosted a fantastic first event: International Women’s Day – Pancakes and Pastries Lunchtime Event. This special occasion celebrated the incredible women who inspire us, with students and staff proudly wearing purple ribbons as a symbol of solidarity and respect. The lunchtime gathering was a sweet success, with a delicious spread of pancakes and pastries shared among friends. More importantly, the event raised funds to support those in need within our community, reaffirming our commitment to service and compassion. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, from our hardworking volunteers to those who donated and joined in the celebration. Your support makes a real impact, and we can’t wait for our next opportunity to give back! Stay tuned for more SLC events throughout the year. 💜

 

UniSC Pathways workshop and discussion

Students in Year 11 (and those Year 12s who opt in) will be invited to attend a Pathways Workshop with representatives from UniSC next week. The presentation will cover the programs and pathways into UniSC, and we hope we will have our College Captain, Gisele Sinclair, back on campus as our UniSC Ambassador this year! Students will also hear what program the ambassador is studying, how they got into Uni and what they like about studying. Students will have time to ask questions, an will receive a copy of the UniSC Course Study Guide for 2026.

Careers and VET Pathways Calendar for Term 1 – what’s still to come!

Date Item Description
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.
Week 9 (26 March) Uni Headstart

Evening

(online)

 5.30-6pm.  Year 10 student enrolment requirements for Semester 2.

The following apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities are available through Acacia at East Coast Apprenticeships. If any of these opportunities interest you, please come and see me in the Library Careers Hub or send me an email: h.hagemann@pbc.qld.edu.au. 

Trainee Opportunities

  • Business – Caloundra, Maroochydore, Cooroy
  • Dental Assisting – Caloundra, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore, Noosa
  • Individual Support – Sunshine Coast Areas
  • Concreting – Maroochydore
  • Engineering Production – Caloundra, Maroochydore
  • Tyre Fitting – Maroochydore/Nambour

Apprentice Opportunities

  • Carpentry – Sunshine Coast Areas
  • Commercial Cook (Chef) – Sunshine Coast Areas
  • Wall & Floor Tiling – Kawana/Noosa
  • Landscape Construction – Caloundra, Nambour, Noosa
  • Painter & Decorator – Maroochydore
  • Signwriter – Maroochydore
  • Outdoor Power Equipment Mechanic – Nambour/Maroochydore
  • Bricklaying – Caloundra
  • Aircon Refrigeration – Caloundra

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

Prep Life

Our preppies continue to make a wonderful start to life at PBC. Last Monday, we enjoyed 30 days of school and marked the occasion with a special visit from Zero the Hero. We also enjoyed our first swimming lesson in the school pool. Check out our photo gallery to see what we have been up to!

Miss P and Miss Brooke

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Year 11 Biology

How does the size of a cell affect its ability to exchange materials with its surroundings? This was the question our Year 11 Biology students explored in a recent practical experiment investigating the surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) of cells.

Using phenolphthalein and sodium hydroxide agar cubes, students examined how diffusion rates change with different cube sizes. The experiment involved cutting agar cubes of varying dimensions, immersing them in sulphuric acid and observing the rate at which they lost their pink colour as the acid neutralised the alkaline agar. By timing the diffusion process and calculating the SA:V ratio, students were able to visually and quantitatively understand why smaller cells are more efficient at exchanging materials.

The results demonstrated a clear pattern: smaller cubes with a larger SA:V ratio allowed for faster diffusion, reinforcing the biological principle that cells must remain small to maintain efficient transport of nutrients and waste. This experiment provided a hands-on learning experience that linked theoretical knowledge to real-world biological processes.

Through this engaging investigation, students gained a deeper appreciation for cellular function and the importance of surface area in biological systems. We look forward to seeing their continued curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific discovery!

Miss Korac

VISUAL ART

Art Academy

Students are busy painting their self-portrait on canvas. Plenty of cheeky grins to capture!

Secondary Visual Art

Year 10

This fabulous group of young artists are pictured finishing their impressionist still life acrylic paintings. Students have worked hard on Term one’s first project. The paintings are fantastic.

Students are now appropriating the radical art movement known as Cubism. Having drawn a musical themed still life from four different angles, they are using Conti crayon to add muted tones; just as Braque and Picasso did.

Year 9

Students are researching and responding to the abstract art movement. Letting go of the figurative in art is challenging. All students have exceled in this task. Well done.

Year 7

One of my all-time favorite year 7 tasks. An iconic image recreated in watercolour. Students have nailed Hokusai’s ‘Great wave off Kanagawa’.

 

Year 11

Students are working through a series of experimental tasks in unit one, ‘Art as Lens’.

Great work from this talented group.

Year 12s leading with Service, Enthusiasm and Compassion!

Term 1 has been an exciting and busy start to 2025 for our Year 12s! Our student leaders have embraced The Resilience Project (TRP) with passion, living by its motto: “to inspire happiness and change lives.” Through acts of gratitude and empathy, they have made a meaningful impact across the College community. Led by Samson T and Nina D, the Year 12s have been active members of the Service Learning Committee, playing a key role in the International Women’s Day fundraiser. Their dedication saw them preparing and selling pancakes and pastries with unstoppable energy, delivering pancakes and pastries until we sold out! Looking ahead, they’ve also planned our first FUNDAY MONDAY, launching in Week 9, where they’ll be jumping rope, hula hooping, and kicking goals with our Prep to Year 4 students during lunchtime activities. We are so proud of their commitment to the Service of Others – a core PBC pillar – and can’t wait to see what innovative, community-minded ideas they bring next term. Great work, Year 12s!

Many thanks,

Mr Bernard Evans and Mrs Hagemann

Year 12 Homeroom teachers

Primary Updates and Award Recipients

Easter Meal Deal

Instrumental Music

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.