Dear Parents and Guardians,

As Term 1 draws to a close, we reflect on the remarkable achievements and experiences that have shaped our school community. Our students have demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence across various areas of the school.

Our Year 12 Marine Science, Biology, and Environmental Science students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Heron Island Research Station. This excursion provided hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to engage directly with marine ecosystems and conduct field research. Such immersive experiences are invaluable in fostering a deep understanding.  Having spoken to the students and staff who have just returned from the first trip, the reports are that the experience is so good, it is life changing.  It is awesome that we are able to offer such wonderful experiences.

                     

Our House Cup continues to go from strength to strength assisting students in having a great time at school and expand their friendships.  The spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition was profound during our recent House Cup events. Notably, the Year 7 Activities Day was filled with team-building exercises, fostering new friendships and enhancing collaborative skills. Students participated enthusiastically, earning points for their respective houses and embodying the essence of teamwork. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16GH2JFJPv/

International tour and Takamatsu Daiichi School and Hosting International Students
We welcome the Japanese students from Takamatsu Daiichi School to our school for their study tour and to continue global engagement with our students.  Our school has a long-standing relationship with their school, with many students visiting Sunshine Beach over the years.  Students are hosted by families from our school community giving them a taste of our local food and showcasing our beautiful natural environment.

Hosting an International student can be a very rewarding experience. Students come from all over the world, current students are from Germany, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, France, Denmark and Chile.  It is a great opportunity for all of your family to experience, most of our current host families continue to host year after year as they love the experience. As an added bonus you get paid to host too.

If you are interested in hosting our wonderful international students please email us at  ISP@sunshinebeachhigh.eq.edu.au

Subject Fees
One of the strengths of our school is the wonderful variety of subjects that the students have to choose from.  Many of these subjects are free of charge and some do come with a subject fee to cover the cost of the resources.  It is great to offer this wide selection for our students as not many schools have such an offering.  To ensure that we can always continue with this wide selection of subjects, it is important that subject fees are paid.  As a school, we understand that not all families can pay the fees at the start of the year.  For this reason we offer a payment plan or option to change to a fee free subject.  Recently our school has sent home a statement of fees and a copy of a payment plan should that be desired.  If you do have any outstanding fees, it would be appreciated if those for 2025 subjects could be paid or a payment plan put in place.  Alternatively, please contact your year level deputy principal to discuss other subject offerings.

For any family with financial stress, please contact our business service manager to discuss other options.

Importance of Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to student success. Consistent participation in school not only ensures academic progress but also supports social development and well-being. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to establish meaningful relationships, engage fully in learning opportunities, and develop a sense of belonging within the school community. We encourage all students to prioritize attendance to maximize their educational learning.  I also ask that all appointments where possible should be scheduled for outside of school hours.  I understand that medical appointments at times will need to be in school hours.  However, non-essential appointments such as haircuts, dance and driving lessons etc, do need to be scheduled outside of school hours.  If a student is required to attend an appointment in school hours, the student must be collected from our office as they are not to be permitted to leave school unaccompanied by an adult.  This includes senior students who have driven themselves to school on the day.

Upcoming assessment
With assessment approaching, it is essential for students to stay organised and manage their time effectively. Planning study schedules, meeting deadlines, and being prepared for exams and assignments will help reduce stress and improve performance. We encourage students to utilize their school diaries, attend study sessions, and seek support from teachers to ensure they are well-prepared for their assessments.

Electric Bike Safety Concerns
We have received many concerns from community members regarding students under the age of 16 riding electric bikes to school. There is also a large concern in regards to behaviours as they are riding their electric bike.  Under Queensland law, children under 16 are not permitted to ride e-bikes capable of speeds over 25 km/h or any electric bike unless supervised by an adult. Safety remains our top priority, and we urge parents to ensure their children are using appropriate and legal forms of transport to school. We appreciate your support in keeping all students and community members safe.  We have also been asked by the Noosa Aquatic Centre to remind students that they are not to leave their bikes at the centre during the day as there is a number of students locking up their electric bike there during the day.

Student Wellbeing
There is a fantastic Wellness evening for parents, carers and young people occurring on the 3 April at 5pm.  This evening is about the mindful connections education evening, it is aimed at young people and their families.

Some of the goals for the evening are centred around:

• How do we stay connected
• What organisations and programs are out there
• How do we support young people to feel connected
• Why are young people feeling disconnected

Please see the Mindful Connections Poster for full details.

Sun Safety
Sun safety is an important part of our day to day life in Queensland and needs to be an important part of students safety at school. To protect themselves from harmful UV exposure, all students are encouraged to wear a navy blue hat or cap when on the oval at lunchtime. Please ensure your child has the correct hat to stay sun-safe during breaks and physical education lessons.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents and guardians for your unwavering support. Your partnership is vital in creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. As we look forward to Term 2, let us continue to work together for our students.

Warm regards,

Anthony Swan
Principal
Sunshine Beach State High School