Principal’s Report
WAYNE KENNEDY
It is hard to believe that we are soon to enter Week 5 of Term 1.
The energy and positive momentum that was evident in the student’s return to their studies has not subsided.
The teaching team have been extremely pleased with student engagement in class activities, with a large number of our Sporting Academy students showing considerable intrinsic motivation and quality time management skills to pursue study opportunities within the College library – to best accommodate their busy training timetables.
This Issue
Community & Connectedness
The sense of community and connectedness within the College within the early weeks of 2021 has been exceptional.
We have welcomed Mr Steve Mohr in his relief role this week. Mr Mohr will continue to teach Miss Bell’s students until her anticipated return on the 1st March.
Mr David Borchardt will be onboard with us on 8th March to take over from Mrs Armstrong who has been teaching senior mathematics and ICT from the start of the year.
I have been extremely pleased with the open communication being generated by students and parents through the Leadership Team channels and I continue to encourage families that have made appointments to convey with me any personal concerns or to pass on their appreciation to a teaching team member for that little extra support that has made a difference to their son or daughter.
Inclusive Education
Ms Carpenter (Junior School and Enrichment Coordinator) has been working diligently in conjunction with Kimberley Illiffe (College Youth Support), to ensure that our teaching team are well supported in assisting the individualised learning needs of our students.
A range of ACER and Benchmark diagnostic testing has been undertaken throughout the College, with areas of consolidation and extension for individual students identified. Education Support Officers (Sonia Maltman, Angela Gowdy, Kerry Hills, Tania Robinson, Ben Conquest and Chris Holland) have now been timetabled to support the growth and academic development at all year levels throughout the College.
Information Sessions
The information sessions held on Tuesday 9th February proved extremely rewarding for all.
The opportunity for our Junior school teachers to convey their classroom protocols and practices and to engage with families on the individual needs of students was valued.
The Sporting Academy Parent Induction that followed reinforced the academic priority of the College for all students. New sports science initiatives were enthusiastically conveyed by Mr Freudigmann, with opportunity for families to provide welcomed feedback, as we all continue to make modifications and the appropriate adjustments to continually improve the expanding Sporting Academy and College academic programs.
The Middle and Senior School presentations from Mr Dupuy and Mr Freudigmann proved highly informative, and parents took the opportunity to meet with homeroom and subject teachers.
The parent attendance throughout the afternoon was the largest that long term staff had experienced and was a reflection of the dedication of stakeholders in the advancement of all PBC students and the College.
I would like to convey my personal thanks to all of our school’s parents for attending.
Scholastic Book Orders
Scholastic Book Order catalogues are due in on Friday 19th February!.
Parents please order online at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the LOOP app (orders cannot be paid through PBC office). If your child has not received a catalogue, please view the online version.
Your order will be electronically linked to the rest of our school’s order. You do not need to complete the order form.
Donations Requested!
Do you have any playing cards tucked away in the cupboard you no longer use?
Classic Card Games is on offer as one of the schools Extended Learning Opportunities this term and we have had a huge response!
So much so, we are needing some extra decks for the children to use. If you are happy to offload any that may be collecting dust at home, please drop them in to Shae at the front office.
Thank you!
Enhanced Learning Opportunities (ELOs)
Our Enhanced Learning Opportunities (ELOs) provide students with the chance to participate in extra-curricular activities outside of their normal classroom environment.
Each activity is overseen by a member of our staff who has an interest in that particular area. Students are able to choose their top three activities and are then allocated to one of the groups. The ELOs change each Semester. The program runs every second Wednesday morning. This program includes all students from Prep – Year 12.
We love seeing what the children choose to explore! Some of the images shared below are from our Gardening, Classic Card Games, Drama Club, and Handicraft activities.
The Science of Aquaponics
HEATH CAHALAN
This week Year 5C teamed up with James Wright’s Senior science class to learn about aquaponics.
The students collaborated brilliantly and there is now a HUGE interest in our year 5 students wanting to do science with Mr. Wright in Year 7.
Mr. Wright showing students how the garden beds water level rises and lowers
Fruits of the labour
Kyan (Senior) showing Lincoln and Luca how to read the PH levels in the water
Senior students Jayden and James explaining to 5C how aquaponics works
Fletcher (5C) examining the baby fish (Silver Perch) in the aquaponic system
Milli and Cooper – all smiles for science
Cameron & Roman testing the PH level in the water directly taken from the fish tank in the aquaponic system
5C playing a game … I mean learning about fish adaptation
Swimming Carnival
The swimming carnival held in Week 2 was a huge success.
Age champions were presented with their medals at Assembly in Week 3, with Curlew taking the top spot for the day.
Studio 4 Dance – Exciting Opportunities for PBC Students
Musical Theatre Workshop:
Studio 4 Dance is running a 4-week workshop just for PBC students each Tuesday 3-4.30pm, commencing 9 March in the dance studio (Block 5). Classes will consist of learning a hit song from an award-winning Broadway musical, teaching students how to have engaging stage presence, and work towards becoming a true triple threat – singing, dancing, and acting. The 4-week course is $100 per student. For ages 8-12 years. Please contact Karla for more information email: info@studio4dance.com.au or mb. 0412 268 278
Boys Only Hip Hop Classes:
Studio 4 Dance has added a Boys Only Hip Hop class to their schedule 4.30-5pm on Wednesdays in the Dance Studio. Bookings essential as places are limited mb.0412 268 278 info@studio4dance.com.au
Tiny Tots Classes:
FREE COFFEE for Mum or Dad with your first trial class. 2.5yrs-3yr olds 8.30-9am and 4-5yr olds 9-10am Saturday. A great introduction to dance – tap, ballet, jazz and singing! Lots of fun. Bookings Essential info@studio4dance.com.au
Adults Dance Class:
Studio 4 Dance is taking expressions of interest for Adults Dance Classes. These classes will be commencing in March, “Move & Groove” Wednesday 6-7pm, starting with a good stretch and warm-up followed-by a fusion of jazz, hip hop, funky moves and fun choreography with Molly. Thursday “Adults Tap” with Robyne, 6.15pm – 7pm. Contact Karla for more info mb. 0412 268 278 email: info@studio4dance.com.au
Vaccinations
Ozcare will be administering vaccinations to students in Years 7 and 10 on the following dates. Only students with signed consent forms will be vaccinated. If you have not yet returned the consent form, please do so by Monday 8th February.
| Year 7 | Thursday 25 March 2021 | Human papillomavirus (HPV) | First dose of vaccine providing protection against 9 types of HPV. |
| Year 7 | Thursday 25 March 2021 | Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine | One booster dose |
| Year 7 | Thursday 14 October 2021 | #2 HPV vaccine | Second dose of HPV vaccine |
| Year 10 | Thursday 25 March 2021 | Meningococcal ACWY vaccine | One dose will be offered |