1. education
2. school

Havana Road East, Coolum Beach Qld 4573 Phone: 07 5471 5333 Fax: 07 5471 5300
Email: admin@coolumshs.eq.edu.au Web: www.coolumshs.eq.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
ISSUE 3 - April 2015
From the Principal
Almost everyone can recall an inspirational teacher they had at school.
The people working in schools make an important contribution to the lives of our young people and, with family and friends, help
shape the future of our community and nation.
This is particularly true about the teachers and staff at Coolum High.
Since the beginning of the year I have been impressed by their ‘can do’ attitude especially considering the changes which have
occurred this year with having our Year 7s join us. It was also particularly evident at the parent teacher interviews held last
Tuesday evening where over 800 interviews with 193 parents were scheduled to discuss the progress their sons and daughters
were making in their studies.
While most teachers had a full schedule, it was interesting to note that a significant number were still there at 7:45pm. This
gives a true indication of the extent of the commitment and dedication of those who are responsible for your children’s
education.
The parents I spoke to were impressed with the professionalism of the teachers, in particular the frank, constructive and
supportive feedback provided. Many parents indicated that they felt Coolum High teachers really cared about their children,
knew their strengths and weaknesses and could articulate strategies for improvement. I also had an opportunity to receive
feedback from a few parents who were able to share some concerns their children were having in class. Continual improvement
is what we are about.
Similar sentiments about teachers going ‘the extra
mile’ could equally apply to the co and extra
curricular activities provided throughout the term:
From Motivational Media to QCS and NAPLAN test
practices, from the Fujishiro Study Tour to the Lions
Youth of the Year, from musical rehearsals to class
excursions, from the Year 12 Retreat to the Year 7
and 8 parent evenings, from afternoon tutorials to
the University Showcase, from interschool sport to
the preparation of birthing kits for Zonta, from the
leadership investiture to Harmony Day, from the
swimming carnival to the AFL Youth Cup. The list
goes on….all contributing to our ethos of care,
respect and excellence.
When parents believe in the school, and the teachers of your children are passionate about their jobs and respect the people
they work with, then this goes well for the education which is delivered and the quality of the development of young hearts and
minds.
At Coolum High we believe in matching high expectations with high levels of support. It is important to me that your sons and
daughters have the best opportunities in life. Every student succeeding, no matter what his or her ambition, direction or career
goal, defines our purpose at Coolum High.
Parent teacher interviews play an important part in helping the school deliver on this commitment. If, for whatever reason, you
were unable to schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher, I urge you to make contact with them early in the new term to
discuss their progress.
Take care, and enjoy the Easter break with your family and loved ones.
Lee Goossens
Principal
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fri 3 Apr
- Good Friday Public Holiday
Mon 6 Apr
- East Monday Public Holiday
Tue 7 Apr – Fri 17 Apr - Easter Holidays
Mon 20 Apr - Term 2 Commences (All Students)
Tue 21 Apr – Mon 27 Apr – Coolum Meets Canberra Trip
Fri 24 Apr
- Coolum SHS Cross Country
- ANZAC Day Ceremony 10.00am
Mon 27 Apr - P&C Meeting 6.30pm Admin Building
Tue 28 Apr - Years 7-9 Maths Parent Information Evening
5.00pm – 7.00pm JS Building
Tue 12 May - Senior Ancient History Archaeological Dig Excursion
Tue 12 May – Thu 14 May - NAPLAN Tests – Years 7 and 9
Wed 13 May - School Council Meeting 6.00pm Admin Building
Fri 15 May
- NAPLAN Catch-up Day
Term 1 Fees Due
UNLESS
• Fees have been paid in full
• Negotiated payment plan up to date
• Centrelink payment plan in place
If you have authorised the school to
deduct fees via Credit Card payment,
please ensure your details are current.
Senior Secondary News
Robyn Burton-Ree, Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary
We wish all students and staff a very relaxed, safe and happy holiday break.
Congratulations to all students who were happy with their reports. Thank you to all families for attending the parent
teacher interviews. Please take the time to have dinner table conversations with your sons or daughters about their
goals for Term 2. Encourage them to visit teachers for feedback on how they can improve and what they have done
well on.
At the end of the first week back in Term 2, we will be holding our ANZAC Day ceremony at 10.00am on Friday 24
April. Families and friends are welcome to join us. As well, on Saturday 25 April, we invite students, staff, parents
and friends to come to the Dawn Service at the Coolum Peregian RSL Sub-Branch, David Low Way, Coolum Beach.
Next term will be an exciting term with our Musical Production coming together on 21, 22 and 23 May. So, sit back
and enjoy the Easter break with family and friends and we look forward to an outstanding Term 2!
Junior Secondary News
Terry Proctor, Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary
NAPLAN Practice and Test Dates
On Tuesday this week our Years 7 and 9 students undertook a practice of two of the NAPLAN tests. The purpose of
this practice was to ensure students are familiar with the processes that our school will implement for the actual test
days. It was pleasing that the students settled well into the room arrangements and worked hard during the
sessions.
The NAPLAN tests will take place on 12, 13 and 14 May.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thank you to all families who attended our parent teacher interviews on Tuesday afternoon and evening. With the
recent progress report cards being a good discussion-starter for these interviews, it was great to see that the
emphasis was on planning for excellence – discussing a plan to achieve excellence throughout Term 2 leading into
Semester 1 assessment.
If you were unable to attend on Tuesday and would still like to meet with your child’s teachers, please contact the
school to make those arrangements.
Do you have a school jumper?
Well done to our students for wearing their uniform so well throughout Term 1. As the cooler weather will be upon us
in Term 2, I ask that all families have made arrangements to ensure their child has the correct uniform – in particular
a school jumper. It is an expectation that students are in correct uniform every day and having a school jumper is
essential for this. Please contact the school to make arrangements to purchase a jumper from the uniform shop if
required.
Drop-offs and pick-ups
Please ensure that you pull into and park in a parking space when doing drop-offs and pick-ups each day. Please do
not stop on the road or in the middle of the car park and let your child out. This is to ensure the safety of our
students, staff and visitors.
Guidance Office News
Alison Upton and Liz Mortimer, Guidance Officers
Children with good social and problem-solving skills are more equipped for life. In fact intelligence alone is not
enough and it is these skills that lead people to be successful in life. Children who have learnt these skills are
comfortable in new situations. They are friendly to others and join in activities. They cooperate and compromise.
They trust others and others develop trust in them. They handle conflicts well and respect differences of others. They
apologize when they are wrong, but will assert themselves when they believe they are right. They are clear in their
thinking and non-threatened nor threatening. They are liked. For children with poor resilience and/or at risk of
depression, often these skills are lacking.
When children are young they depend on parents to help them solve problems, but as they grow they will need to
learn skills to handle the problems they face. With a focus on `remaining calm, Seligman, in his book `The Optimistic
Child’ provides 5 steps, your child needs to follow, in order to solve problems effectively.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Slow Down – STOP before acting impulsively, then start thinking. How we handle a problem depends on what
we are thinking. Replace hot thoughts with cool thoughts. Hot thoughts often lead to loss of control. Cool
thoughts result in solutions that are non-threatening to self and others. How we think affects how we feel
and what we do.
Stand in another’s shoes – understand what the other person was thinking or why they acted the way they
did. This is easy to do by meeting with the person, looking at their face, and asking non-threatening questions
to get answers (use of technology won’t achieve true understanding).
Set Goals – If you have a problem how would you like things to end eg you have a fight with your friend, is
your goal to restore friendship or have a stand-off. As your child sets a goal, they should list as many ways as
possible to reach it.
Choose a Path – which is the best solution. Look at the pros (any good outcomes that might happen) and the
cons (any bad consequences) eg. speaking nicely to someone versus yelling at them.
How did it go? Did it work – if not then don’t give up. Pick another solution and give that a shot.
Notice that all these steps are about you, the parent, training your child in the art of problem solving. It is not about
you finding their solutions nor is it about you rescuing them. Our aim as parents is to have well adjusted, social, and
happy children who are equipped to handle life in all its forms.
Adapted from Seligman, M – The Optimistic Child
School Based Traineeship/Apprenticeship Update
Lois Staier, SAT Liaison Officer
This term has seen a number of students commence a school based traineeship or apprenticeship. The
industries entered into include Retail, Hospitality, IT, Automotive, Civil Construction and Electrical. Thank
you to the employers and the Group Training Organisations for providing such a wonderful opportunity for
these students. The qualifications gained will provide QCE (Qld Certificate of Education) points for the
students, a nationally recognised qualification and greatly improves their employability skills, all of this whilst
earning an income.
Austin, the Year 11 student who commenced
the electrical apprenticeship has dreamt about
this occupation since he was 7 years old and
is so eager to begin this journey. Being in this
industry requires 80 days of paid employment
in a calendar year whilst at school.
Please support the businesses which support our students
through School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Managing school work, employment hours
and blocks at the training organisation require
good time management skills, self-discipline
and sheer determination to achieve the end
goal. Austin believes he can manage all that
is required of him as he is focussed on
achieving his desired outcomes.
Congratulations, not only to Austin and the new trainees, but to the continuing students from last year who
are progressing through their traineeships.
Ride To School Day
Sylvia Bedford, Coordinator
The Sunshine Coast Council, along with TravelSmart Sunshine Coast, invited all primary and secondary schools to
take part in a Ride to School Day on Friday 13 March.
It was about celebrating active travel within the school day and encouraging those who haven’t started to give it a go.
Normally in the bike rack enclosure there are around 40 bicycles parked each day. On Ride to School Day, we had
80 bicycles parked in and around the outside. This was a fantastic effort by our students. Well done!! We also had 6
staff members riding in on this day.
Let us try to keep our bike racks full the whole year through. Happy cycling!
Mathematics News
Tracy Ford, HOD Mathematics
Next term, Year 9 Maths classes will be organised by ability. There will be an extension group, a core group and a
supported group on each line. The classes will be organised by a combination of student results in class and in
NAPLAN, teacher judgment and students’ goals for themselves. The classes will be reassessed each term.
Parents are also welcome to have a say in where their student is placed. Please contact me if you would like to
discuss this on 5471 5333 or by emailing me at tford42@eq.edu.au.
P&C News
Terri Shine, P&C Liaison Officer
Looking for experience in working in a busy café? The canteen welcomes volunteers and offers some experience in
food preparation, operation of café equipment (including a coffee machine) and serving customers.
There is a variety of times available for volunteering during the day (between 7am to 2pm). Please contact Michelle
in the Canteen on 5471 5337 should you have enquiries about this opportunity.
Congratulations to the new P&C Executive for 2015 – John Fuller (President), Greg Swadling and Cathy Duncan
(Vice Presidents), Brett Quarry (Secretary) and Jane Harding (Treasurer).
Your Child and Devices
Sean Sweeney, HOD ICT
It seems that mobile devices are everywhere these days and it is likely that your child may have several – perhaps a
laptop, phone or tablet. Digital devices have rapidly become a part of the lifestyle and culture of young people around
the world. While they offer a great opportunity for communication, learning, entertainment and social connections
there are also issues that many parents have to deal with.
It is important to keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with the device itself, which is merely a tool, albeit a very
powerful one. There is an analogy in the way we use cars. Cars used well are a useful and for many, vital way of
getting around, yet used irresponsibly or without rules they can be damaging and dangerous. Devices such as
phones and laptops are the same – it is not the device that causes problems for young people but the behaviour
surrounding the device.
Having teenagers of my own, I know these challenges well so here are some suggestions that parents may find
useful in managing difficult behaviour surrounding devices:
Time Out
Teenagers often find the online environment a stimulating distraction but need to have time away. Set a time for the
child to turn off the device and go and do something else. Making this an agreed time will reduce the likelihood of
arguments. At the appointed time have your child bring the device to you or put it in a specific place.
Role Modelling
Teenagers will often copy the behaviour of the adults in their lives. If you insist that they don’t use phones at the
dinner table, make sure that you do the same. If you insist that they don’t have devices in their bedroom at night, you
do the same. If you have to break the rules, explain why it as necessary to do so.
Store and Charge Locations
Night-time can become a regular problem and teenagers may have interrupted sleep patterns anyway. Phones in
particular are often a night-time distraction. One solution is to have a time at which devices go to a specific part of the
home to be stored or charged. Charging hubs work well in this regard. The location should be in a common area of
the house so that the device is away from the child.
Work Zones
If your house has the space, having a designated work zone where several people can be working on their devices
together can help in reducing distractions. Make the zone pleasant and quiet so it becomes an attractive place for
your children to use their devices.
Non-Wifi Time
Since many homes have a wireless router, consider simply shutting down the wireless for a set time. While your child
may still have 3G or 4G access on their phone, they may be less inclined to use it rather than the wifi. An hour an
evening that is considered non-wifi time may help teenagers focus on other aspects of their lives. Discuss the nonwifi time with your children first and make the first few occasions a special event, where you share pleasant time, or a
special treat together.
Remember that your child has access to tools that are revolutionizing the world. The challenge we face as parents
and educators is to teach them to be responsible and thoughtful users of their devices. If you feel that your child’s
issues regarding the use of devices are more serious, please contact the school guidance officers for further
suggestions and support.
Science Faculty
Paul Olsen, HOD Science
Term 1 is coming to an end and by the time
you have read this newsletter, your students
will have completed most of their assessment
for the term.
Throughout the year, your students have the
opportunity to attend various programs such
as the Science Engineering Challenge
(below). Please watch for these opportunities
in the newsletter and encourage your child to
participate.
All students are able to access extra Science
tuition by attending tutorials on Wednesday
afternoons either in the library or in S1 (Junior
Secondary students).
By now, students should have collected their EBook (Electronic Science textbook) username and password to
access this resource from home. If there are difficulties in doing this, please contact your child’s teacher.
A big thank you to the whole school community for bringing Science alive this term. Hope your Easter break is
relaxing.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at school on 54715333 or by email at polse3@eq.edu.au.
Science and Engineering Challenge
On Wednesday 25 March, a group of 30 Year 9 and 10 students attended the University of the Sunshine Coast for
the Science and Engineering Challenge. This is a national series of events arranged by the University of Newcastle.
In groups of three or four, students were required to complete a range of tasks such as the Helter Skelter Earthquake
House, Mars Rover Suspension System and a Catapult.
Each challenge was scored and the points used in a
competition between the eight schools attending.
Congratulations to Year 9 students Phoebe and Ella,
the winners of the Helter Skelter Shelter activity. Well
done!!
All contestants gathered to watch the final test in
which a bridge made of balsa wood, coffee stirrers
and tape had to hold a 1.2kg trolley. Our students
were very competitive and Coolum High finished just
outside the major placings overall. One of the
organisers commented that the standard of effort and
behaviour from all the schools was exemplary.
Thanks go to the USC and the University of Newcastle for organising the day, and to Chaplain Mark Horsfall for his
support and interest. Congratulations to our 30 students for their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour and to the
school’s organisers Richard McHugh and Karen Matthews.
Booknapped – The Musical
Carla Edgar, Director
The Coolum High 2015 Musical is well on the way to being another fantastic show. Rehearsals began early Term 1
and we are delighted to have so many talented students from all year levels join us in this production.
Booknapped is the story of five students and what happens one strange afternoon in the school library; a journey
through history and literature, with a few surprises along the way.
Many of Coolum High’s staff members have been busy making costumes, props and settings, as well as our
choreographer, producer, and directors who are working with the cast every Wednesday afternoon.
Performances are on 21, 22 and 23 May in the Performing Arts studio. Tickets will be available in May from the front
office.
We are on the lookout for some portable wardrobe racks for the performance nights. We have many costume
changes and need some extra storage for these costumes.
The whole cast and crew are getting very excited for this original production and we look forward to seeing you at the
performances.
Try A Trade News
Lois Staier, SAT Liaison Officer
Year 10 student Tiara Callagher was an eager participant at the all-female Try a Trade event held recently at the
Caloundra Trade Training Centre. It was a full day involving the girls trying their hands at seven different trades.
The trades which Tiara sampled were bricklaying, levelling/surveying, cabinetmaking, carpentry (her favourite),
simulated welding and electrical.
The group was also given the opportunity to listen
to the stories of females already working
successfully in the construction industry. It wasn’t
always easy for them working in a male
dominated industry, however, they stayed
focussed and achieved their goals.
Coolum High School recently hosted its own Try a
Trade event for invited Year 10 students who
sampled electrical, simulated welding,
cabinetmaking, bricklaying and levelling and
surveying.
Talk to your student about the day and discuss
with them possible career options. There are over
70 careers in construction so there may be one
that is just right for them. Work experience is a
great way of trying an occupation. Family members or friends may be able to offer your son or daughter this
opportunity if they operate their own business or even at their own workplace. Contact me on 5471 5333 if you have
a contact who can offer work experience and I will organise the appropriate paperwork.
Thanks to Construction Skills Qld (CSQ) and World Skill Australia for their time and effort and for providing expert
trainers and trades people for the event. The students really enjoyed the day.
Baldy Locks and the 12 Bears
Despite the fact that it has taken Coolum State High School Year 12 student, Clancy McMahon, many years to grow
her beautiful blond hair, she was
joined with twelve of her male school
mates to shave off the lot as part of the
World’s Greatest Shave raising $2,000
in the process.
Clancy decided to take the leap to
baldness after losing her grandfather
to cancer last year and her mother
Jackie very proudly joined in the event,
shaving off Clancy’s hair in front of a
huge audience.
Erin from Coolum Village Hair Design
and Hair Stylists Natasha Harvey and
Kylie Kneebone, volunteered their time
to the cause, shaving the heads of
Clancy’s very supportive friends.
Every single day, 31 Australians will be
given the devastating news that they have leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood disorder. This will
equate to more than 11,500 people by the end of this year.
Although survival rates are improving, blood cancers like these are
the second biggest cause of cancer death in Australia.
The Leukaemia Foundation receives no ongoing government
funding. World's Greatest Shave raises about half the money the
Foundation needs to fund its important work, including research
vital to finding
better
treatments and
cures for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood
disorders.
The money raised also supports families when they need it most,
providing patients with free accommodation near hospital during
their treatment, free transport to and from appointments, as well
as practical assistance and emotional support.
Three hundred and fifty dollars can provide 13 people with free
emotional support to overcome the initial shock of the diagnoses, while $1200 can provide free transport to and from
appointments to more than 200 patients and carers.
A Special Visit
Danielle Siegert, Senior Tourism Teacher
Our wonderful visitors from Fujishiro High School have once again provided a valuable experience for our senior
Tourism students. We welcomed twenty Japanese students into our school for a ten day study tour last month.
During this time Tourism students worked very hard to provide exciting experiences and opportunities for the visitors
to understand Australian culture from the perspective of a coastal community.
Our itinerary included a classroom visit, a trip to the
Australia Zoo and an afternoon walk up Mt Emu.
The classroom visit can always be a little nerve racking as
the visitors often speak broken English and can
sometimes be a little shy. All students participated in fun
icebreaker activities including playing shop and setting up
a pretend restaurant. The Tourism students were all
sensitive to the visitors’ needs using basic skills to
overcome the language barrier. At the end of the session,
Year 11 Tourism students presented the visitors with
individually made invitations to Australia Zoo.
A tour of Australia Zoo is always a highlight of the visit. All
Year 11 Tourism students (as well as our new Year 12
Tourism students) were responsible for a buddy and spent the day touring the excited Japanese visitors through the
zoo, pointing out Australian animals and showcasing the highlights of the day. This was the first experience as a tour
guide for the Year 11s and they were all very
responsible and attentive.
The walk up Mt Emu provided a last opportunity for all
students to strengthen their connections with each
other. It was delightful to watch students who were more
relaxed and genuinely enjoying each other’s company.
There was much laughter and happiness at the top
while we all enjoyed the breathtaking 360 degree view.
A new classroom volunteer program with Coolum State
School is being devised to be in place by Term 2 and
we are currently seeking student interest. The
opportunities to show competency in several units in the
certificate course, as well as help students develop
mentoring skills, would be a wonderful advantage. It is
also an opportunity to gain a valuable confidence boost and experience which would be a great addition to a resume,
especially if your student is interested in working with children.
AFL Youth Girls Cup
Chris Thomas – AFL Coordinator
Congratulations to the girls who
competed in the Youth Girls Cup at
Maroochydore on Tuesday 10 March.
This year’s team had a small group of
experienced players with the majority
stepping up to the senior level for the
first time.
On the day they combined well as a
team and returned home undefeated
beating Mountain Creek High School’s 1
and 3 teams, St Teresa’s Catholic
College and Maroochydore High School.
Congratulations go to Layla, Sam,
Kirara, Ysabelle , Phoebe , Jemima,
Ashley, Gemma, Allira, Sherie, Keeley, Kelsey and Chelsea. Well done!
Technology News
Claire McAllister, HOD Technology
Home Economics Eumundi Markets Excursion
Our Year 12 Home Economics class recently had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Eumundi
Markets. The students will use the information that they gathered to help in their decision-making processes to make
quality clothing products. The students will spend the next six weeks producing a clothing article suitable for them to
wear using commercial patterns. Some of the items that they have decided to make are playsuits, summer dresses,
shorts and skirts.
We look forward to presenting their products next term.
Investiture
The Year 11 Hospitality class prepared a selection of
delectable treats for this year’s Student Investiture. Invited
guests, staff, parents and our student representatives
attended the morning tea.
These students have commenced the Certificate II in
Hospitality this year and the morning tea is an assessment
task which allows the students the opportunity to
demonstrate their hygiene, safety, communication and presentation skills. They will continue to plan and prepare a
range of functions over the two year course for the local school community.
We have had a classroom space built into a café, which will be officially opened in Term 2. These students will then
run the café at junctures throughout the year.
More Student Investiture Moments
Mathematics Night
Coolum State High School
A fun night of mathematical games and humour for parents and carers of
students in Years 5 - 9. The night is designed to give you an insight into the
Mathematics curriculum and practical ideas to support your child’s
mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem solving. Research has shown
that children’s motivation and achievement improve when parents and carers
are involved in their education.
28 April 2015 5.00pm -7.00pm
Sausage sizzle from 5.00pm
Presentation from 5.30pm
Junior Secondary Precinct
KAYLEIGH MCCULLEN
Ph:
E:
W:
F:
0431921456
admin@absoluteaerials.com.au
www.absoluteaerials.com.au
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