Principal’s Report

SHANE DUPUY

Academics first

PBC’s core business is academics. This is not lost on any of our aspiring sporting academy applicants who quickly realise that for them to access the academy program, they must first be accepted as an academic student. There have been quite a few ‘raised eyebrows’, when I have mentioned to families in applicant interviews that, as College Principal, I look after the academic program, and I don’t really care how good of a sports person their child is. The fact that they may have represented their chosen sport at a regional, state or national level has little bearing on their acceptance to our community. What counts is their academic effort and achievements, their ability to positively engage in the community and whether they are a good fit for our college. Our own Sporting Academy director, Melvyn Wilkes, has always referred to academy students as ‘student athletes’, emphasising the fact that the academics for all our PBC students come first.

Whilst there is no doubt that the growth of the college can largely be attributed to the success of the sporting academy, make no mistake, our principal focus is the academic and holistic progression of your child. If you are fortunate enough to also be a part of our wonderful academies, that’s just the icing on top.

Time to celebrate

Amidst the mad scramble that is the last term, today we get to take a breath and celebrate the achievements our students through our Academic Awards Ceremony. Whilst we publicly recognise individual students who have received Top of Subject and RISE awards, it’s important to also celebrate those students who may not have collected an award but have still achieved a personal best. This may mean moving from a ‘D’ to a ‘C’, improved their level of engagement or effort, or overcome their social anxieties to get to school on time, or made a new friend. May I take this opportunity to congratulate all students on the personal gains they have made this year.

Whilst the PBC vision is to be one of the leaders in independent education, it is reflecting on our mission that drives leadership, teachers, well-being and support staff, admin and ancillary staff every day. Delivering a program that enables each of our students to realise their academic, social, cultural, sporting and community potential so they can become valued members of their communities, is our focus.

Finally, thank you to the PBC families. The ongoing support our families show towards our amazing staff is humbling but also very welcomed. Time and again, I see positive engagements, most commonly informal conversations, between parents, teachers and students either before or after school, at classroom events or sporting carnivals. Your friendliness, positivity and inclusivity are the fabric of who we are and what we stand for. Often, parents have no idea how much their kind words, and seemingly simple, pleasant interactions mean to the teachers; it truly does make their day.

Wishing you all a very happy and safe holiday.

Thank you, Teachers

As we finish off the year, we would like to recognise the invaluable contributions our teachers make to the College community. The amount of time and effort our staff spend preparing learning experiences for our students, often late at night and over weekends, is without little reward or fanfare, but it is appreciated and recognised by the leadership team and our families. Unfortunately, every year, we farewell amazing professionals due to a range of reasons including promotional opportunities, relocation, variation in student numbers, retirement or change of career. This year, we wish the following staff our best wishes as they depart the College:

  • Nico Lovegrove
  • Heath Cahalan
  • Bryony Freedman
  • Emma Bourne
  • Samantha Williams
  • James Wright

No matter the length of time they have spent with us, all departing staff have made valuable contributions to our college for which we are forever grateful.

 

Student Services

Accessing support can look different for everyone. It is important to remember that there are a range of free and accessible online and phone options for our young people. The resources below are a good reference to save and refer to if / when needed.

Fete Sponsor Shoutout!

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY AND CAREERS

Certificate II in Automotive

A big congratulations to Hanson, who recently signed on to undertake a Certificate II in Automotion through the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Centre at Caloundra this week. Hanson will be attending the Technical Trade Centre each Wednesday, commencing next year, as he continues his pathway to Marine Automotive. Hanson has a love of fishing and all things boating. We wish Hanson all the best as he chases his dream!

Pathways offered by Aviation Australia

Enrolments are now underway for Aviation Australia’s 2025 VET in Schools (VETiS) programs. These programs provide high school students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable aviation skills and kickstart their careers in this dynamic industry.

The following careers are available in the following careers:

  • Commercial Pilot (Multicrew Concepts Course)
  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Certificate II Aircraft Line Maintenance; Certificate IV Aeroskills; International Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance
  • Cabin Crew
  • Pilot (Certificate II in Autonomous Technology; Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot)

Please come and see me if you wish to learn more or would like enrolment information.

Exciting Opportunities for Women in Construction Program

Women in Construction Program

Community Solutions and RoadTek, a branch of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, is currently accepting expressions of interest for its Women in Construction program. This initiative is designed to empower and support women seeking fulfilling careers in the construction sector.

What’s in it for students?  A full-time paid traineeship!

With over 400 applicants in 2024, this is an attractive and competitive full-time traineeship gaining a Certificate III in Civil Construction. This opportunity provides hands-on experience whereby students can earn while they learn.

Where to from here?

For further in-depth information about what can be expected during the course, as well as our Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Women in Construction Webpage here.

Get in touch 

For any questions you have, reach out via email to GTOrecruitment@communitysolutions.org.au or email Mrs Hagemann, who can send you a flyer with information.

We believe that embracing diversity in the construction industry is key to its growth and success. By encouraging our students to explore these opportunities, we are playing a key role in shaping the future of the building and construction workforce in Australia.

The French

This week, our senior students experienced a treat, participating in the Wellbeing Starts from Within workshop, hosted by “The French”. This workshop came at an important time, with students preparing for their first set of Year 12 exams scheduled for next week. As students approach these assessments, maintaining a balance between study, nutrition and self-care becomes essential for managing stress effectively. This workshop encouraged students to take time for wellbeing and relaxation, helping them to stay focused, eating right, and refreshed.

This engaging session was facilitated by Bronwyn Whitaker, Engagement Specialist from The French, a renowned wellbeing and skincare educator. Students explored the importance of holistic wellbeing, with discussions on skin health, nutrition, and self-care. They also participated in a hands-on activity, creating and applying an all-natural face mask using avocado, banana, and honey.

Bronwyn shared insights into “The French’s” health, nutrition and skincare courses, providing valuable information for students interested in these fields. Students explored:

  • The relationship between nutrition, skin health, and wellbeing
  • Practical self-care techniques
  • Relaxation strategies to promote mental and physical health during stressful times

The workshop introduced students to potential career pathways in beauty and skincare, with insights into The French’s educational courses in these fields. This interactive session offered students a chance to unwind while learning skills that can enhance their sense of wellbeing, providing them with a positive and productive break from academic pressures.

Have a safe and happy Christmas break with your loved ones…

Finally, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff, students, and families of Peregian Beach College for warmly welcoming me into the community this year in my role as Careers and VET Pathways Coordinator and Year 11/12 Advisor. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed building relationships within our PBC community and beyond. This year has been incredibly rewarding, from collaborating with training organisations, forging partnerships with universities to connecting with local businesses and trade representatives. I’m grateful for the support and enthusiasm that have made these connections possible, and I look forward to continuing our work together next year. Thank you all for your ongoing trust and encouragement. Most importantly, I value my relationships with students. John Hattie emphasises the importance of strong teacher-student relationships, saying, “It’s the relationship between the teacher and the student that matters—the strength of those relationships, the respect, and the belief that each student can learn.” Hattie’s research highlights that positive, supportive relationships significantly enhance student learning and motivation, as students are more engaged and likely to succeed when they feel valued and understood by their teachers.

 “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 Coordinator

Year 11/12 Advisor

Inclusion

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

2024 has been a dynamic year for inclusion at PBC, with exciting initiatives to support your child’s learning and development. This year, we introduced MULTILIT (Making Up for Lost Time in Literacy, P-6), InitiaLit for P-2, MiniLit Literacy Intervention for P-2, and support for select learners in Years 3-6. We have seen tremendous growth among our students. Additionally, in 2025, we will introduce new programs such as Learning Through Doing and Oxford Maths for P-6. Math stations with concrete materials will be placed in every classroom, including a secondary student station in Building 4. This hands-on approach to teaching Maths will help deepen students’ understanding of key mathematical concepts. Math intervention and extension groups will continue to be held weekly in classrooms and at the Learning HUB.

At PBC, we take a holistic approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that we address our students’ academic and personal development. Our comprehensive well-being framework is embedded into all our programs, enabling us to support each child in every aspect of their school life. 2025 Grow Your Mind (GYM) will continue for P-6, and The Resilience Project will be implemented for our secondary students. These programs are—and continue to be—a significant addition to our curriculum.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to rebrand our Teacher Assistants as Learning Coaches and will continue offering personalised support in the classroom HUB and through intervention programs. Please encourage your child to access this support whenever they need a boost.

In addition to intervention, the Learning HUB has been a hive of activity with enrichment programs this year. With the support of our amazing PBC teachers, Mr Hicks, Mr Van Meurs, Mrs Macnicol and Mrs Carpenter, we introduced extension Maths sessions for students in Years 3-6 and an extension Art program for primary students in Years 1-4. Our students have embraced these programs, and we look forward to expanding these opportunities in 2025.

Our Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) and Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs) were launched on Daymap this year and can be viewed through the portal:  https://pbc.daymap.net/daymapConnect/

If you are experiencing any issues accessing Daymap, please email daymap@pbc.qld.edu.au.

Your child’s Personalised Learning Plan will soon be transitioned to their 2025 teacher(s). Please let me know if anything requires updating for 2025. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to provide your child with the best educational experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Janine Olsen
Learning Enhancement Coordinator
j.olsen@pbc.qld.edu.au

Prep Excursion

At the end of October, our excited preppies (and 2 VERY excited teachers!) set off on an excursion to see Pevan & Sarah live in concert at Venue 114, Bokarina. Pevan & Sarah are a dynamic duo of passionate Australian educators who have created a wide range of engaging educational resources. The prep team regularly uses their catchy songs and rhymes to support teaching in literacy, numeracy and social & emotional learning.

Our youngest PBC students were an absolute credit to the school during the outing and we couldn’t be prouder of their behaviour and enthusiasm.

The Prep Team.

Improved school fee payment options for Peregian Beach College families

Peregian Beach College is always on the lookout to improve services for our families. We recognise that for many of our families, school fees can represent a significant portion of the family budget and many of our families would welcome greater flexibility around the management of these payments. 

We are therefore pleased to announce that Peregian Beach College has partnered with specialist provider, Edstart, to make managing your school fee payments easier. Edstart offers an easy, flexible, and zero-cost way for you to pay your school fees in periodic instalments that suit your family budget, with no credit checks. Edstart allows you to spread your fees into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments over the school year, with the ability to choose your preferred day for when payments are made. 

With your child’s outcomes at the heart of what we do, parent fees are crucial to the school’s sustainability. While we put our resources into striving to deliver the very best education and environment for our students, the team at Edstart are experts in their field and are best placed to assist our families with flexible fee payment options moving forward. From next year, we are pleased to share that all instalment payments will be made via Edstart. We are always here to help with any questions and will work closely with Edstart for a smooth transition. 

All families wishing to pay their school fees in instalments in 2025 will be required to create an Edstart Plus account before 8th December 2024. All families currently paying by instalments will receive an email with a link to set up their Edstart account shortly.

For further information please watch this video. You can contact Edstart on 1300 139 445 or email contact@edstart.com.au if you have any queries or require assistance with setting up your account. 

LIBRARY NEWS

Dear Readers

There are 42 opportunities to read before you fall asleep until Christmas at the time of writing this final Emu for the year.  I’m both amazed at time flying and thrilled that holidays are around the corner.

What a year it’s been.  I have so many happy memories of this year and I hope the students do too; my first Library Grandparents Day, our always fun filled Book Week, our greatly supported Book Fair and the lovely community felt Fete.

I have just completed my end of year ‘outstanding book’ lists and sadly we have quite a few library books that still need to be returned prior to student’s last day please.  I will send out specific emails however, if you have any books at home that belong to PBC please drop them to me at the library or at admin.  Thank you to our families who have returned books early 😀.

May I take this Emu opportunity to wish you all enjoyable holidays.  I hope you all have a few good reads lined up to relish over the summer holidays and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year. 

Yours in reading every day

Miss Tania

Year 4 Pinballs!

Year 4’s Pinball Arcade: A Smash Hit!

This term, Year 4 students combined science and creativity to design and build their very own working pinball machines. As part of their learning about forces and the properties of materials, they explored how push, pull, gravity, and friction all play a role in making pinball machines work.

With this knowledge, they planned their designs and worked tirelessly to bring their ideas to life. From painting vibrant artwork to crafting ramps, flickers, and launchers, every detail was carefully thought out.

To celebrate their achievements, we proudly opened our doors to parents and students in our very own Pinball Arcade! Visitors were amazed as pinballs zipped through colourful ramps and creative obstacles, with plenty of cheers and smiles all around.

We’re so proud of the effort and imagination Year 4 students showed throughout this project. Well done, Year 4 – your Pinball Arcade was a smashing success and a wonderful showcase of your hard work!

Mrs Hemmings and Mrs Nealand

Kindy Vacancies

Australian Science and Engineering Fair

Two Peregian Beach College teachers are participating as judges in the Australian Science and Engineering Fair (https://aussef.com.au/) this year. Mrs Hagemann and Mr Saunderson will be judging entries from students across Australia over the coming week, which is the first of 3 stages of judging of science and engineering research projects submitted by secondary school students. Mrs Hagemann is a judge in the ‘Social Sciences’ category, and Mr Saunderson is a judge in the ‘Earth and Environmental Sciences’ category. This competition is run annually and is open to all secondary school students in years 9-12. Students can enter individually or as a team. The 9 winning entrants from across the country win a trip to the USA to have their project judged against international entrants. If you have an idea for a science or engineering related project, please make sure you speak to Mrs Hagemann or Mr Saunderson about possibly entering the 2025 competition.

Peregian Kids

Uniform – Shoes

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 8.10 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.