1. family and parenting
2. children

Havana Road East, Coolum Beach Qld 4573 Phone: 07 5471 5333 Fax: 07 5471 5300
Email: [email protected] Web: www.coolumshs.eq.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
ISSUE 5 - June 2015
From the Principal
At Coolum High we pride ourselves on being the secondary school for families in our community.
This community not only includes the township of Coolum Beach but also the surrounding environs. Families who live from
Marcus Beach and Peregian Beach in the north, including Peregian Springs, to Marcoola and the beach communities north of
the Sunshine Coast Airport runway, and west to Verrierdale, are part of Coolum High’s community.
At this time of the year, many parents and families are deciding upon which high school to send their children to. This is
especially true of parents of children who are presently in Year 6.
Choice of school is extremely important as David Gillespie outlines in his book ‘Free
Schools’. David, a parent of six children, shares some of the findings he believes matter
when choosing a school.
He states, ‘What I found during my research is that some things – teachers, principals count a lot, while other things that parents worry about - class size, school size, composite
classes, fancy buildings - don’t matter at all.’
Coolum High has many fine attributes and I am privileged to be the principal of a high
performing school with great staff whose attitude is always impressive.
Are we perfect? No, but as a team of professionals we are committed to continual
improvement so that your sons and daughters get the best possible secondary education at
an outstanding school. It is this professionalism that sets us apart.
The people who work 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.
Almost everyone can recall an inspirational teacher they had at school. This is particularly
true about the teachers at Coolum High where going above and beyond is the norm.
Whether it be in the delivery of well prepared and engaging lessons or the co and extra curricular activities provided throughout
the term, your sons and daughters are provided rich and vibrant educational experiences: From musicals to Motivational Media,
from theatre excursions to chemistry excursions, from afterschool tutorials to entertaining primary school students, from the
Year 12 Retreat to the Year 6 Parent Information Evenings, from parent teacher interviews to the University Showcase, from
interschool sport to leadership treks, from debating expos to ANZAC Dawn Services. The list goes on, all contributing to our
culture of care, respect and excellence.
When the teachers of your children are passionate about their jobs and respect the people they work with, then this goes well
for the education that is delivered and the quality of the development of young hearts and minds.
Does your son or daughter come home telling you about their favourite teacher, who is doing an outstanding job with their
education and love of learning? If so, I urge you to recognise their special talents by nominating them for a ASG (Australian
Scholarships Group) National Excellence in Teaching Associations (NEiTA) award. These awards provide the opportunity for
school communities – parents associations, school councils, individual parents, secondary student councils and community
organizations – to nominate teachers and staff who contribute to excellence.
Nominations can be completed online at asg.com.au/nominate or phoning 1800 624 487.
As David Gillespie confirms, when it comes to schools, it’s the quality of education and instruction that matters: and that’s what
teachers at Coolum High strive to do best.
Lee Goossens
Principal
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mon 8 Jun - Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
Wed 10 Jun - Experience USC – Year 10
Fri 12 Jun
- Nambour Show Day Public Holiday
Mon 15 Jun - P&C Meeting 6.30pm Administration Building
Tue 16 Jun – Fri 19 Jun
- Year 7 – 12 Assessment Week
Mon 22 Jun – Wed 24 Jun
- Band Tour to various Gold Coast destinations
Tue 23 Jun - Year 12 Biology Field Study
Thu 25 Jun - Brillianti Musicisti Round 1 Auditions
Fri 26 Jun
- QCS Practice Day 2
Mon 29 Jun – Fri 10 Jul
- Winter Holidays
Tue 14 Jul - ICAS Mathematics Competition
Sat 18 Jul – Sun 19 Jul
- Teritiary Studies Expo
Mon 20 Jul - P&C Meeting 6.30pm Administration Building
Position Vacant
Coolum State High School requires a casual
Uniform Shop Convenor / Parent Liaison Officer
to assist our P&C and school (approx 12 hours per week)
Support and training will be provided where necessary for the
successful applicant.
A Position Description may be requested by emailing
[email protected].
Applications must be submitted to [email protected] by close
of business Thursday 11 June 2015.
Please use Uniform Shop/Parent Liaison Position Description
in the subject line.
Junior Secondary News
Terry Proctor, Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary
Restorative Practices
Our school’s philosophy around success is based on the principle that relationships are the foundation of student learning.
When issues arise at school we bring together those involved – with the aim of addressing and repairing any harm and starting
the process of re-building the relationship. This process is particularly important as it involves face-to-face accountability. Often
a student finds it is much easier be given a consequence rather than having to face up to the person they have affected and try
to make things right. However, having to accept responsibility for the mistakes we make and being accountable to make up for
it is an important skill that will hold our students in good stead into the future. Restorative practices form a key part of our
school’s focus on high expectations coupled with high support.
Year 6 to 7 transition
It was wonderful to visit Coolum and Peregian Springs State Schools recently to meet the Year 6 students. Our transition
program into Year 7 2016 is now in full swing with the first parent information evening and school tour being held last week. We
are encouraged by the success of these events so far and are always enthusiastic about parents coming in and being involved
in our school.
We next see the Year 6s when they visit for our Academic Challenge Days on 4 June (Maths/Science) and 17 June
(Technology/HPE). A huge thank you to Mr Koch for his ongoing work and organisation of our Junior Secondary activities.
Literacy and Numeracy
Once again this year, we have been focusing on students improving their literacy and numeracy skills as a component of
learning in our school. I am pleased about the extra work our teachers and teacher aides are doing in this area. Following the
recent literacy and numeracy tests, we are very much looking forward to seeing the improvement students have made from
their last test two years ago.
I want to emphasise that our focus on improved literacy and numeracy continues even though NAPLAN has been and gone for
another year. We want to see students writing in full sentences and using an interesting and extensive vocabulary. We know
that this is a key foundation for student learning. Thank you for your support at home where we hope you reinforce good literacy
and numeracy skills. It is great to encourage students to read by being seen reading ourselves!
Guidance Office News
Liz Mortimer and Alison Upton
Building Self Esteem
Self esteem is feeling good about yourself, liking yourself, feeling that you are a worthwhile person. For almost all parents, there
are times when you worry about your child’s self esteem. Self esteem enables them to try new things without too much fear of
failing, to reach out and make friends, and to manage problems they are likely to meet along the way. Good self esteem builds
a solid foundation for life.
An important part of self esteem is feeling that you have a place in the world where you belong – that you are part of a family
where you matter.
What parents can do to help build self esteem • Tell your child often that you love them and you are glad they are who they are.
• Show you love them by spending time, listening to their point of view, being willing to help them achieve their goals
e.g. drive them to sport, watch the game.
• Support their learning – take an interest without taking over. Be involved in the school.
• Encourage friendships and make their friends welcome, and get to know them.
• Encourage hobbies or interests – a busy child is less likely to get into trouble.
• Let your child assist you with something e.g. cooking, fixing the video.
• Keep and cherish mementos of their success e.g. ribbons, trophies.
• Help them to solve their problems themselves by talking through the issue, offering ideas or alternatives and helping
them follow through.
All children need love and support. You are the most influential person in their life. How you support your child and the skills you
teach them will affect them for the rest of their life. Parenting is not easy but it can be a most rewarding job when you see that
the child you have reared is a happy, capable and caring person.
Adapted from the Parent Easy Guide `Self-Esteem’
Helping Children Learn to Manage Anger
Children’s angry behaviour is often difficult to deal with because it stirs up feelings of anger and annoyance in others. It can also
frustrate parents and carers when anger is used to push them away.
Everyone feels angry at times. Parents and carers can help children learn how to cope with anger in positive ways by teaching
them to be aware of feelings, to find appropriate ways to express them, and to identify and solve the problems or frustrations
that lead to angry feelings.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Be aware of feelings
Children need to learn that having angry feelings is normal and okay, but that reacting aggressively towards others when you’re
angry is not. Adults can help children become aware of feeling annoyed, frustrated, angry or furious by naming feelings.
Learning to say, “I’m feeling angry” or “I’m really frustrated” gives children a way to separate feeling angry from how they react.
Time to talk
Talking to your child about what has put them in an angry mood will help them see that feelings have causes and that solutions
can be found. Once you find out what they was angry about you can help them think up better ways to handle the problem. This
kind of conversation doesn’t work while they are really angry. Sometimes it must wait until later.
Children often find it easier to talk in informal situations where they feel less pressure. Find a relaxed time to talk to children
about feelings. Asking, “What makes you angry?” can be a good way of starting a conversation about anger.
Find alternatives
Getting children to think through a difficult situation helps them develop problem solving skills. Asking, “Is that what you wanted
to happen?” or “What else could you have tried?” encourages children’s helpful thinking. Thinking of alternative solutions helps
children plan different ways of reacting next time. Be sure to praise their efforts.
Have ways to calm down
When emotions are strong, it is easy to act without thinking. Encourage your child to take control and allow time for the
emotions to subside. Walking away, using a quiet spot to think or doing something else like riding a bike or listening to music,
are all activities that can assist in reducing strong emotions.
‘Cool Down’ Steps to Teach Children
1. Recognise that you are angry
• Notice the body signals that mean you’re angry, such as getting hot, heart racing, tense muscles etc.
• Give a number from 1 to 10 to show how angry you are
• Remember it is hard to manage anger and your thinking when you are at your angriest so work to cool down
2. Cool down your body
• Breathe slowly. Count to ten or to 100 as you breathe making sure you slow the counting as you go
• Take time-out in a quiet place
• Go for a walk, do something physical, challenging and/or repetitive
• Draw/write how you feel
3. Use coping self-talk
• ‘It’s okay. I can handle this. I need to calm myself so I can think straight.’
4. Try to solve the problem
• Talk to someone who is a good listener.
• Sort out what the problem is, what are the options, which one is worth trying, try it then review. Plan what to do next time.
Adapted from www.kidsmatter.edu.au
Year 11 Archaeological Dig
Chris Buganey, Ancient History Teacher
International students Malte Hoenig (from Germany) along with
Thais Araujo (Brazil) didn't mind getting their hands dirty when they
went on an archaeological dig to the Abbey Museum of Art and
Archaeology at Caboolture.
As part of their Year 11 Ancient History course, the plan was to
‘discover an ancient Egyptian burial’. Recent flooding of ‘The Nile’
(better known as Tea Tree Lagoon), however, had brought items
such as scarabs, Canopic jars and the lifesize sarcophagus to the
surface and there was no need to ‘excavate’.
An alternative site, a Roman provincial home was ‘excavated’
instead and yielded a wealth of artefacts. Roman helmets, an army
shoulder pad, funerary urn, numerous pottery items and
blacksmithing tools were unearthed in the systematic process of
excavation. Interpreting, recording and labelling the artefacts were
also part of the learning process.
The students were enthusiastic and formed a very professional
archaeological team.
Nambour Hospital Health Care Program
Lois Staier, SAT Liaison Officer
The Nambour Hospital Health Care Program is offered to Year 10 students
each year and has been doing so for 9 years. Students have to apply to
attend as there are only 40 places for each two day session. Two sessions
are offered each year. This year two students, Angeline and Tiahni
attended Nambour Hospital on May 21 and May 22. In July, Rhianna
Quarry will attend the second session.
The program provides students interested in a career in health, the
opportunity to listen to health professionals talk about their careers as well
as participate in a variety of hands on activities. They had the privilege of
hearing from a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech
Pathologist, Radiographer, Psychologist and Social Worker to name a few.
Students had the opportunity to test each other’s blood sugar levels. This
involved a student pricking a finger of another student with a sharp needle
and placing a test strip on the blood to absorb it. The strip was then placed
in a meter that reads blood sugar levels. Results were provided in around
20 seconds. At first the students were a little apprehensive but once they
had done it once they wanted to have multiple goes. The students also were able to prepare a mock vaccination and give it in
the arm of a baby mannequin. In the photo you can see Angie performing this task.
This program is only ever offered to Year 10 students so, to the parents of Year 9 students, start discussing possible careers
with your child now. If they identify that they are interested in a career in health, tell your child to listen out for the details of this
program around March 2016. It truly is a valuable program.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt…..at Under 8s Day!
Alison Venning, Drama Teacher
Coolum State High School Drama students recently
converged on Peregian Springs State School for their
annual Under 8s Day. Our students had been invited
to perform for the junior school so many hours were
spent perfecting their roles in The Gruffalo, Bear
Hunt, Click Clack Moo, Dig Dig Digging and Why?
The audiences loved the performances and many
came back time and again to see their favourites
(back flipping chickens and Gruffalos, in particular).
Having studied Children’s Theatre and the way in
which actors can reach a young audience through
characterisation, physical theatre and comedy, our
students were excited to put all their hard work into
practice. Their performances were fantastic and it
was wonderful to see how the actors changed from
one performance to the next, with the students having to cater for a different audience each time which needed to be engaged
in a particular way. Our students’ interaction with the primary school children was wonderful to see, showing the school values
of Care, Respect and Excellence.
It was a huge morning and I think that most of the students have probably been saying their lines in their sleep – ‘We’re Going
On A Bear Hunt’ is very catchy!
Thanks to all the Year 10 Drama students who performed, and the parents who supported them. Let’s do it all again next year!
Science Department
Paul Olsen, HOD Science
Please support the businesses which support our students
through School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Term 2 is coming to an end, and by the time you have
read this newsletter, your students will be in the middle
of assessment.
Throughout the year, your students have the
opportunity to attend various programs/excursions,
these may include visits to real laboratories and
industry in senior, and supplementary activities in
junior. Please encourage your child to participate if the
opportunities arise. See the article written by Richard
McHugh on a recent Year 11 Chemistry excursion in
this newsletter.
All students (both seniors and juniors) are able to get
extra help in science by attending tutorials in the library on a Wednesday afternoon or for junior science, in S1 also on a
Wednesday afternoon.
Year 8, 9 and 10 students by now should have collected their eBook (electronic science textbook) username and password to
access this resource from home. Should there be any difficulties in this regard, please contact your child’s teacher.
A big thanks to the whole school community (teachers, parents/carers and students) for bringing science alive this term.
Finally, good luck to Year 11 student, PJ Doughty, on his application and upcoming process for the 2016 National Youth
Science Forum, a highly prestigious science opportunity.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at school on 54715333 or by email at [email protected].
Year 11 Chemistry Excursion
Richard McHugh, Chemistry Teacher
Year 11 Chemistry students recently visited the Baroon Pocket Dam and Landershute Waste Water treatment facility. Lake
Baroon is located between Maleny and Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and provides recreation facilities, as well as
being part of South East Queensland’s drinking water supply.
Students were asked to challenge their understandings of recycled water and its value in a continent considered one of the
driest on Earth. The processes and technologies used to remove contaminants from raw water and to improve and protect
water quality are designed to return a product that is cleaner than the finest bottled water. Society’s preoccupation with the
feelings associated with recycled water are often a barrier to an intellectual acceptance of the value such techniques pose to
water dependant societies.
Across the day the students comported themselves with distinction and a rewarding experience for all. No free samples were
available from the gift shop.
A Trek through the Bush…..and Life
Chris Money, HPE Teacher/Trek Coordinator
The Year 10 Trek was recently held with two groups of students completing a 42 kilometre walk through the rugged Conondale
Ranges from Sunday Creek to Booloumba Creek.
The Trek, which was conducted with the assistance of Bailai Environmental Centre required students to carry clothing, food,
shelter, and cooking gear for three days. Along the way students had to deal with inclement weather, being attacked by
leaches, crossing Little Yabba Creek five times in one day, slogging up mountains with a 15 kilogram pack, and walking down
steep slopes without falling over.
Despite the challenges, the trekkers were rewarded with some spectacular views, a chance to be a part of some magnificent
wilderness, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. However, the Trek is not just a geographic journey from point A to
point B – it is a personal journey where students learn about goal setting, teamwork, rising to meet challenges, empathy,
decision making, and personal strengths and weaknesses.
Debating Expo
Colette Webber, Debating Coach
Last Wednesday, a group of debaters from the Junior and Senior Coolum State High debating teams, joined students from all
over the Sunshine Coast to attend the annual Debating Expo held at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
During the event, students watched a live, short preparation debate and practised their own skills, working together as a team to
brainstorm ideas in response to set topics. Congratulations to Tia Jones, Josie Jenkins, Tyler Mohr, Emma Skea, Brodie
Lorenz, Robert Mckellar, Aidan Radak, Dureyce Moore, Lauren Gray, Lauren Armstrong, Tylah Fraser and Sarina Petersen on
their excellent behaviour during the Expo and for being such great ambassadors for Coolum State High School.
Thanks also to Mr Andrew Nairn for his help with
coaching prior to the Expo and Mrs Liezel Van der
Merwe for assisting with transport on the day.
Special thanks to Mr Chris Money for attending
adjudicator training in preparation for the tournament
which begins in July, and to the office ladies who
fitted the group with their impressive school blazers.
Looking forward to a great debating season!
Cross Country
Christina Fiducioso, HPE Teacher
41 Coolum High students recently participated in the District Cross Country Carnival. Students ran extremely well with a number
of students gaining selection in the District team.
12 Years Boys
Corey Stevens
Ricky Pettinger
Brady Dearing
Lachlan Nagle
Zaide Kirk
Calder shanks
Hayden Stiles
Codi Rich
12 Years Girls
5th
Ellia Smith
13 Years Girls
14 Years Boys
1st
3rd
6th
10th
3rd
5th
7th
8th
2nd
9th
10th
10th
Lottie Hayes
Santosha Le Roux
Kayleigh Heighway
Kirra Foxwell
15 Years Boys
1st
Kai Crofts
15 Years Girls
16 Years Boys
4th Takiru Uemura
10th Reed Lewis
13 Years Boys
14 Years Girls
Open Girls
8th Jessica Cowling
10th Mikayla Barwicki
3rd Gemma Hauck
Overall, Coolum came in fourth position with 581 points, finishing ahead of major competitors Nambour, Noosa District and
Burnside State High Schools.
A great effort by all students and we wish those going on to the Regional carnival the best of luck.
In a Class of Their Own
Rob Bloomfield, ITD Teacher
This year, sixteen students from Years 10 and 12 entered
their timber projects into the Cooroy Woodworkers Club’s
annual competition.
The senior students from Mr Thomas’s Furnishing class
entered their beautiful Rosewood Mantel Clocks in the
Senior Students General Woodworking category. With the
Year 10 students from Mr Bloomfield’s ITD class entering
their own designed Trinket Boxes made from Meranti.
It was a fabulous display from the school and Coolum
High achieved some excellent results. In the Senior
School Students category, Ashley Evans was awarded
First Place and Jacob Knynenburg placed Third.
In the Junior division, Leigh Thomas was awarded First
Place and was highly commended by the judges for
producing an outstanding piece. He scored the highest points of all students at the Show.
Mr Rob Bloomfield also entered the competition and placed First and Third in the Masters General Woodworking category, and
placed Third in the Masters Wood Turning class. Rob also was awarded Club Champion for his lovely Trinket Box made from
Silky Oak.
Tourism Students make Strong Industry Connections
Danielle Siegert, Tourism Teacher
It has been again a very busy time for Tourism students with participation in
several work experience placements and also valuable connections with
industry professionals.
We are very lucky to be asked to volunteer at this year’s Booknapped
Musical. Twelve tourism students helped over the three nights. The
students were responsible for ticket sales, ushering, giving directions to the
theatre and selling products in the snack bar. The students were warm and
friendly in welcoming the Coolum community. The snack bar was
particularly busy and students did very well to add up customer bills in their
head and give correct change.
The prep program is an ongoing success at Coolum State School. The
trainees are at the half way mark and it is very evident that there are strong
connections being made between the high school students and the
gorgeous little preppies. On arrival the high school students often get the
prep students running up to say hello and let them know what they have
been doing. The program relies on the fantastic support of CSS deputy
Linda Morse and the amazing prep and also year 1 teachers.
In the canteen students were helping prepare approximately 400 hotdogs
for Coolum State Schools special Hot Diggity Dog day. There were literally
mountains of sausages, bread rolls and drinks stationed around the
canteen. It was a great opportunity for students to see the volume of food
needed to serve a large group of people. We are so thankful to Tracy
Warrington and her team for supporting the students in their on the job
learning.
Chappy was very kind to drive the Year 12 Tourism class to the Sunshine Coast Airport to meet with Marketing and
Communications Coordinator Stephan Hutton and his team. Stephan presented information about the airport as a major tourist
provider in the Sunshine Coast. He showed students interesting data about visitor numbers and reasons for visiting the
Sunshine Coast. He also revealed projections for tourist numbers in the future and presented maps of the airport to include
plans for the new runway. The students gained current knowledge and information about the local tourism industry. Steve was
impressed at the questions that students were asking and the level of interest in the group. The students toured through the
airport to observe a major provider in action. On the way back to school we stopped at Yaroomba Lookout to admire the view
and take a group photograph. A big thank-you must go to Lois Staier for organizing this excursion.
Year 12 students also participated in completing their RSA recently with trainer Christian from Club Training Australia. Christian
is an industry professional with many years experience and plenty of relevant knowledge to share. They were very interested in
regulations and laws surrounding alcohol as a product and they are now waiting for certificates to be mailed so they can be
qualified to serve alcohol responsibly.
The Tourism program relies on the generosity of tourism businesses in the community to provide opportunities and experience
for our students. If you have an idea or would like to share your industry expertise and experience with our students please
contact Danielle Siegert by emailing [email protected].
Booknapped – The Musical
Caloundra Community Kindergarten
Saturday 18th July, 2015
REUNION MORNING 9-11am
and
Annual Fundraiser Auction
Events Centre, Minchinton St Caloundra
7.00pm
Please contact the Kindy for further details and to
book tickets!
e: [email protected] ph 5491 1746
Address
Mobile
1/5 Beech Street
Marcoola Q 4564
0428 515 107
Over 45 years of experience in the industry
No martial arts knowledge required to begin
Start at any fitness level
Real life Self-Defence
Scenario based Training
Street Safety
Fitness
Great Fun
Quality Instruction/Quality Results
Recognised Worldwide
Effective
Use your Instinct to the Max
Call now for a FREE SESSION 0428 515 107
SALE NOW ON
Saturday 6, 13, 20 June 9-1pm
20 Coral Tree Ave Noosa
Black Chase Low & Hi Top Canvas ONLY $25.00
Black Hunter only $30 save $9.95
www.kikshoes.com offers contemporary styles like Vans and Converse
3 popular styles, shoes kids want to wear to school.
Sale on line or local pick up. For more information: m: 0419 330 365
www.kikshoes.com facebook: www.facebook.com/kikshoes twitter@shoesforschools
Coolum State High School
Havana Road East
Coolum Beach Qld 4573
Telephone: (07) 5471 5333
Facsimile: (07)5471 5300
[email protected]
www.coolumshs.eq.edu.au