Principal’s Report
SHANE DUPUY
It’s all good!
At the time of writing, it’s 11:10pm on a Tuesday night. Normally, I’d be well into a good night’s sleep but on this occasion, there are too many thoughts rolling through my head. As I’m sure is the case from time-to-time for many readers, most of these thoughts centre around my work. Today’s events have not been anything different to most other days, but for some reason, the sum of their randomness perfectly highlight the positive strides we are making as a College.
Throughout the day, several staff participated in professional development sessions for a new learning management system (LMS). Daymap will streamline the delivery of information and educational programs to students, allow administration staff to better record attendance and personal information, and communicate more effectively with parents. The student, teacher and parent portals will ensure greater transparency for our PBC community as we continue to grow. Staff have been familiarising themselves with the myriad of functions Daymap offers before our ‘Go live’ day at the start of 2024. A parent information session, highlighting the key functions of the Parent Portal, is planned towards the end of the year.
This afternoon, Junior School teachers met to finalise preparations for their upcoming camp to Maranatha. Overhearing the conversations regarding the arrangements for activities, sleeping and day groups, as well as considerations for those with medical or dietary concerns, instilled a great deal of pride and confirmation that our teachers always employ an empathetic, professional, and considerate approach to their child-centred planning. I’m sure the communication they have had with parents in the lead up to the camp will give great comfort, and the social story they have prepared for their students to familiarise themselves with what to expect whilst away for a 2-night sleepover, will ease any concerns and get them excited for what lies ahead. Well done to all involved.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the day came towards the end. Whilst preparing to race off to a staff meeting, I was confronted by 2 students, that can best be described as ‘colourful characters’, requesting information regarding their behaviour profiles. When asked “Why?”, the response was so that they could see the last time they had a negative behaviour logged. They went on to explain that they had been trying to stay out of trouble and were hoping that their more concerted efforts were reflected by the lack of entries in recent times. Whilst this was an unusual request, I was more than happy to take the time to show them their records and have a positive conversation about how indeed, through a lack of recent entries, an improvement had been noted. In all honesty, I converse regularly with these young men when on playground duty and they are terrifically engaging and always fun to chat with. Let’s hope the positive reinforcement and more mature approach continues!
Junior School
ALITA CARPENTER
Junior School Newsletter Item – Week 8, Term 3, 2024
Almost there!
Hello families and welcome to Week 8. As the end of the term approaches, with a public holiday for the show, and just one more week left the holidays will be upon us before we know it! As this is the last Emu Chronical for the term, I would like to personally thank each of you for a great term and wish you a fabulous holiday. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of all our Jr School Teachers and support staff.
Junior Camp
We have our wonderful Junior School Camp (Years 2, 3 and 4) to look forward to next week; here’s hoping that the students are all packed and ready to head off Monday morning, with the Year 2 ‘day campers’ heading to join them on Tuesday morning. Packing lists have been provided, exciting activities, food and adventures have been planned and our teachers are ready and excited to attend. Phone number for contacting in an emergency during camp is: 0400 268 402 (Year 3 & 4).
MIND
The student choices for our MIND activities will be sent to you during the holidays. Please ensure that you discuss these activities with your child when you receive the list, and select their choice before the start of Term 4.
Reporting
Although teachers have been continuously assessing student outcomes, this is not a formal reporting term. If you have any concerns about your child’s progress this term, please make a time to see their teacher and discuss how these concerns.
Middle/Senior School
ASHLEIGH MORRISON
Celebrating Our Upstander Heroes: Students Making a Difference
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the everyday heroes among us. These heroes aren’t wearing capes or masks; they are our very own students who embody the spirit of empathy, courage, and kindness. I want to shine a spotlight on these unsung champions of our PBC community—our Upstanders.
What is an Upstander?
An Upstander is someone who refuses to stand by and watch when others are facing injustice or mistreatment. They step up, speak out, and take action to make our school a better, safer, and more inclusive place for everyone. Upstanders are not content to be passive bystanders; they are active agents of positive change.
Being an Upstander has the power to transform our school culture. It’s a ripple effect, where one act of kindness, courage, or advocacy can inspire others to follow in the same vein. By encouraging and celebrating Upstanders, we foster an environment of empathy and mutual support that extends beyond our school walls.
How can you be an Upstander?
Standing Up Against Bullying: Our students have shown incredible courage by speaking out against bullying when they witness it. They support their peers and ensure that no one feels isolated or afraid at our school.
Promoting Inclusivity: Inclusion is a core value at PBC and our Upstanders take it to heart. They actively work to create a welcoming atmosphere where every student feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, abilities, or interests.
Service: Another of our core values here at PBC, with many of our students taking the initiative to engage in community service projects. They extend their compassion beyond our school to make a positive impact on the wider world, demonstrating the true spirit of an Upstander.
We all have the power to be Upstanders in our daily lives, not just at school but also in our homes and communities. By recognising and celebrating the Upstanders among us, we inspire others to join this important movement for positive change.
Let us continue to foster a culture of empathy, courage, and kindness at PBC. Together, we can make our school a place where standing up for others and what is right shines brightly, and where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to make a difference.
Thank you to all our Upstander heroes for being the change-makers who make our school community truly special, you know who you are !!
Japanese News
SAMANTHA WILLIAMS
Student Achievements
On Monday 21st of August, Nieve B joined Sam and Ash as the 91.1 Hot FM Weather kid. This is what Nieve wrote about his morning at the radio station:
“On Monday morning at 6am, I went to the radio station for the weather kid. I felt very nervous but excited to speak on the radio. They started recording and Sam asked me a few questions. He asked what school I go to, what my favourite food is at my school’s canteen and then he asked me who my teacher is. I said that I go to Peregian Beach College, my favourite food at the canteen is a meat pie and my teacher is Miss Davis. Next, I read out the weather for the day. It was going to be 11 degrees at the lowest and 24 degrees at the highest. Before we left the radio station, they gave me lollies and 2x Aussie World passes. So cool!”
On Sunday 27 August, Samson B competed in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Australian Championships. Samson won gold and is the number 1 in his weight class. Congratulations Samson!
Year 1
Last Wednesday, Year 1 embarked on an excursion to support our learning in Geography. Led by David and Matt the Park Rangers, we explored parts of Noosa National Park and developed an understanding of how the park protects our unique flora and fauna. It was a wonderful morning, with our students representing the college beautifully out and about in the local community. Well done, Year 1.
MIND
Service & Land for Wildlife
On Tuesday the 5th September the MIND Service and Land for Wildlife groups went to Victory Park to take part in a beach clean-up.
The students did a wonderful job removing all the unwanted rubbish and even found some treasures along the way. It is so great for our students to participate in activities like this and show their appreciation for the beautiful part of the world we get to live in. Thank you to Kate and the PBC bus crew for helping us to make it happen!
Each of us can make a difference. Together we make change. – Barbara Mikulski Whitman
Notices
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.