Principal’s Report
SHANE DUPUY
We made it!
After what can only be described as a year of change, it’s hard to believe we have come to the end of the academic year. Students have worked tirelessly to complete all set tasks presented to them, all the while trying to maintain existing friendships and establish new ones, honour their sporting commitments, and in many cases, hold down part time jobs. Our PBC students are an amazing bunch of kids, and we are so proud of the academic, sporting and social achievements they have made this year. They deserve a well-earned break.
Similarly, our hard-working staff have left no stone unturned to present students with engaging, robust and challenging tasks. The rigours of preparing, tracking and assessing educational programs is harder than ever, and PBC teachers have gone above and beyond with their students this year. Their ability to adapt their programs to individual learning needs, resolve playground issues and communicate with families, instils me with the greatest of confidence that we are maintaining our goal of building positive relationships with our college community.
At the time of writing, although we are in the final days of the year, staff are still working busily in preparation for 2024. Our final 2 days have been spent meeting with colleagues for handover, planning collaboratively and finalising class lists. Teachers will email all families in the new year to introduce themselves to their new classes and establish a connection for the year ahead.
May I wish our PBC families a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday break.
Farewell
At the end of every year, there are always those we farewell. For those families that are leaving the college, we thank you for the contributions your children and family have made and wish you every success as you embark on your new journey.
It is also a time where we must farewell some teaching staff. The college wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following staff: Finn Landre, Lisa Danne and Kelly Brodrick, who all joined the college this year and made an immediate impact with the students. After 3 years, Miss Julia Blahuta is spreading her wings and moving to Melbourne. I am confident she will quickly establish herself as a student favourite, as she has done here at PBC. Mrs. Lisa Bell is leaving the college after 9 years. Lisa and her husband are moving to their new home on the northern end of the Gold Coast. We thank Lisa for all her hard work and wish her every success in her new position in a bayside college.
Thank you, ‘Miss C’.
Whilst she is not leaving the college, Mrs. Alita Carpenter has chosen to step away from her role as the Junior School Coordinator. Alita has been a terrific support for both me and my two predecessors over the years, and her understanding of early childhood curriculum and departmental guidelines is second to none. Alita has worked tirelessly for many years and her move to Primary School Art teacher next year will enable her to continue to support our students.
2024 Uniforms
As has been advertised in previous Emu Chronicles, our uniform requirements for 2024 are as follows:
Prep – Y6: PE uniform can be worn every day. Those families who purchased formal uniforms will be able to wear them if they wish for 2024 as it will be a transition year; however, Thursdays are compulsory PE uniform days for everyone.
Please note, the leadership decision for the change was due to the fact that PE uniforms are far more practical for our Primary years’ students due to the amount of movement they participate in throughout the day.
Y7 – 12: Formal uniform unless it is your child’s PE day or Thursdays.
2024 Organisational Structure Changes
Next year, we will introduce a new organisational structure which will see the introduction of 6 new coordinators across the college. These people will work in academic bands across the year levels to add an extra level of support for students, teachers, parents and senior leadership. Our newly appointed Coordinators (P-6) and Year Advisors (Y7-12) are:
P-2 Coordinator: Nicola Kerin
Y3/4 Coordinator: Savannah Davis
Y5/6 Coordinator: Amber Garrett
Y7/8 Year Advisor: Samantha Ryan
Y9/10 Year Advisor: James Wright
Y11/12 Year Advisor/Pathways: Heather Hagemann
The restructure will also see new roles for Mr. Alec Wareing as Co-curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Ashleigh Morrison as College Coordinator.
Mr. Wareing’s role will see him lead all the implementation of activities such as the Mind and Movement programs, sporting carnivals and tournaments, school musicals and performance showcases. It is also hoped there will be a reintroduction of an instrumental music program once an available space has been identified.
Mrs. Morrison will lead the implementation of the teaching and learning program of the college. With extensive experience in program development and policy implementation, parents can rest assured that their child’s teacher will present engaging and robust tasks that will offer them the best opportunities to develop their conceptual knowledge and understanding.
Congratulations to all. I am certain that the level of professionalism, experience, empathy and organisation each leader will bring to their team will ensure that all stakeholders in your areas will be very well supported.
Reports are on their way
Your child’s end of year report card will be emailed home next week. Please take the time to go through this report with your child, discussing the teacher comments and celebrating their achievements. For some, it is also an opportune time to highlight areas of improvement and set some goals for the year ahead.
MIND – 2024 Changes
Exciting Changes to Our Mind/Movement Programme in 2024!
We are thrilled to announce some exciting changes to our Mind/Movement Program for the upcoming year, 2024! The revamp will bring about a more tailored and enriching experience for our students, fostering both their intellectual and physical growth.
Mind Program Revamp:
Beginning in 2024, the Mind Program will see a shift towards a more focused and cohesive approach. Students will now operate within specific year bands, promoting a sense of unity and shared experiences. For instance, years 3-4 will engage together, as will years 5-6, and so forth. Please note that Year 2 and Year 11 will no longer be involved in the Mind Program.
For our Year 2 students, this additional time will be spent with their classroom teacher, ensuring a strong foundation for their academic journey. Meanwhile, Year 11 students will join their counterparts in Year 12, focusing on task completion and accessing curriculum support to ensure their assessment submissions reflect their knowledge and understanding of the concepts being taught.
The revamped Mind Program aims to cultivate higher-order thinking skills in our students. Activities will include critical thinking, analytical thinking, problem-solving, evaluation, metacognition, and synthesis of knowledge. Students will participate in a diverse range of activities such as STEM, Chess, Theatre Sports, and Debating on a rotational basis each term. At the conclusion of each term, we invite you to a special viewing opportunity to witness the newly acquired skills demonstrated by our students.
Movement Program Revamp:
The Movement Program is getting a makeover with a variety of new activities and the continuation of old favourites. Much like the Mind Program, Year 2 and 11 will not partake, and activities will be organised in year bands to enhance the sense of inclusivity and mateship among students.
Our students will partake in Leadership & Team Building, Outdoor Education (fishing, hiking, and kayaking), Community Connects (lawn bowls, croquet, golf, and mini putt-putt), and Lifelong Sports (pickleball, surfing, skateboarding, martial arts, gymnastics, and lifesaving). These activities aim not only to promote physical well-being but also to instil values such as teamwork, leadership, and community engagement.
We are confident that these changes will contribute to a more holistic and enriching experience for our students, providing them with a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to a fantastic year of growth and achievement in 2024!
MIND – Fishing
In Term 4, students showcased their fishing prowess, with Angus and Blake leading the charge in catching the most species (including a series of snags). Equally commendable was their impeccable behaviour in public, earning praise from surprised onlookers who hadn’t realised PBC offered such a valuable school sport. Special thanks to Shae, Kate, and Daiwa for making this experience possible – Mr C.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: E-Sport
When we first established the Esports team in Term 1, we aimed to provide students with a unique avenue to develop crucial skills beyond traditional academics. We aimed to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and communication, as well as a new sense of identity and belonging for our students. As we reflect on our journey over the last 4 Terms, it’s clear that the team has met and exceeded these objectives. The Esports initiative has become an integral and enriching part of the PBC experience, and we look forward to even more growth (and trophies) in 2024.
Year 1 – Excursion Peregian Beach Village
Last Wednesday our Year 1 students embarked on an excursion to Peregian Beach Village to enhance learning in Geography. During our visit, students developed an understanding of the diversity of the area, including the managed, natural and constructed features of the park and village square. We were lucky enough to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate at local café, Outersquare, which was a highlight of the morning. Great work, Year 1!
PBC Year 10 Hospitality
TRACEY DALGLIESH
Well, our last project for the year went off with a bang! The students didn’t have much time to plan their design, bake their cake and decorate it before judging day, which was also the last day of school for 2023 for them. The voting form below shows the five categories the students cake submissions were judged on. They were tasked with choosing one of three themes – Traditional Christmas, Aussie Christmas or Pop-culture Christmas.
Other submissions from our creative hospitality crew are below! Thank you to all staff on campus (Sports Academy and Teaching) who came along to vote. Your support is appreciated.
Library News
Dear Readers
In my previous fortnights’ Emu Chronicle, I reported that we had 495 overdue library books. I am happy to report that the tally now is 33. This makes me happy! I am sure these 33 books will show up between now and the start of the 2024 school year. Thank you to all families who searched every nook and cranny to find our beloved library books.
I have had a delightful year with our students and families and take this opportunity to wish you all enjoyable holidays. I sincerely hope you all have a few good reads lined up to relish during this period. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.
Yours in reading every day
Miss Tania
“Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more”
Dr Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
SNOW TRIP!
Attention 2024 Year 9-12 families! The Snow Trip registration details have been sent out via email. Hurry, there are only 20 spots available for this incredible adventure!
Missed the info afternoon? No problem! The PowerPoint presentation is attached to the registration email for your convenience. Still have questions or need more details? Feel free to reach out to Alec Wareing a.wareing@pbc.qld.edu.au
Let’s make this Snow Trip unforgettable!
HELP WANTED – 2024
Community Announcements
Youth Choral Workshop
This school holiday activity sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, Hosted by the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir and will be facilitated by renowned Choral Workshop Conductor Clare Finlayson. A fun filled 1 day workshop for all singers. Monday 15thJanuary 2024 9am-3:30pm
Click image for further information:
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.