Dear Parents and Guardians

This has been a fantastic term with a full range of exciting learning, activities, sport, camps and excursions.  It has been a pleasure to see our wonderful students involved in a love of learning and achieving so well.  Two of the biggest experiences this term would be the North West Island camp for seniors and the Year 8 camp.  Both were thoroughly enjoyed and many life long memories were created.  Our school has also partnered with Precious Plastics Noosa to engage our students in STEM projects and inspire behaviour changes by promoting recycling.  Please take the time to click the link HERE and watch the short video. 

As we approach the end of term, our Shiner magazine is almost ready for distribution.  This magazine is a fabulous way of celebrating all things Sunshine Beach State High School.  The youngest in the family will receive a copy of the Shiner in early Term 3.

Assessment and reporting

Our students have been working well this term, participating in engaging classwork and activities.  With this they have also been demonstrating their knowledge and application through assessments.  Student academic reports will be emailed home at 3pm on Friday 27 June.  If you have any concerns with your child’s education or progress, please ensure you contact their teacher as a first point of contact.

Uniform

We have seen a dramatic improvement with students in correct uniforms which is pleasing to see.  I would like to thank all families for your support.  Wearing the uniform not only looks great but also fosters a sense of belonging and school spirit.  Our wonderful P&C has been facilitating second hand uniform stalls to assist families.  Uniforms can also be purchased at School Locker.

Now that the majority of students are in the correct uniform, we are able to move to the next stage of student support.  Students without the correct uniform will be given the correct uniform at the start of the day through a loan system managed at our student wellbeing centre.  Students will be required to take the loan uniform home to be washed and returned to school by the end of the week.

I would also like to raise awareness of shoes in relation to workplace health and safety.  In a secondary school there are many fantastic opportunities to engage students in learning.  Some of these experiences are limited when students do not have the appropriate footwear.  Shoes need to be leather or leather like so the full experience of activities can be facilitated.  These include activities in many areas of the school including science, industrial technologies, hospitality and a number of elective subjects.  Please ensure when you are purchasing new shoes for your child that they are black leather or leather like.

Unfortunately, we have just been advised from School Locker that our long awaited mid zip jumpers will have a few weeks delay.  I apologise for this unforeseen issue.

House Cup

The 'Name the Boat' competition has concluded with the new name being “Coral Cruiser”.  This is an apt name for a vessel that will support students studying Aquatic Practices and Marine Sciences.  It will also support students who are on camp and potential future certificate programs. 

Electric bikes

Electric bikes continue to be a concern in our community both in regards to compliance with state law, safety and respect to others.  All students in Year 7 to 10 have attended a presentation from TMR outlining the laws and responsibilities for students and their parents in relation to E-Bikes and E-Scooters.  I strongly recommend all parents ensure they are aware of the current laws and penalties that may be issued to the young person or the parent.  Only young people 16 years or older should be riding an E-Bike without the supervision of an adult. 

Please click the following link for rules and penalties:

https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/electric-bikes/

Attendance Matters

Early departures and late arrivals have a significant impact on students learning and also on the management of the school and class.  I am seeking support of all families to limit learning disruptions from early departures and/or late arrivals to only unavoidable important appointments that are not able to be planned outside of school hours.  If students are required to leave school early, they will require a parent, or a person listed on emergency contacts, present for the student to leave early.

Please ensure your child attends school every day, unless unwell.

Outdoor Gym

As part of motivating our student in active break times, and also in responding to student feedback regarding what would make their school life better, we will be installing an outdoor park style gym.  The installation will occur in the September holidays.  Not only will this resource be valued for student use at break times, but it will also be used as an outdoor learning area for our health and physical education classes.

Next P&C Meeting

Our next P&C meeting is on July 23 at 5:30pm.  If you are available, you are more than welcome to attend.

Facility Improvements

Over the next year we will have a number of the buildings being repainted, reroofed and also gutters replaced during school vacations.  We will also have a number of the toilet blocks renovated to a newer design.  This aesthetic improvement will be greatly appreciated.

Finally, I would like to wish all students a well-deserved mid-year break and we look forward to seeing everyone back at school for the start of Term 3 on Monday, July 14.

Kind regards,

Anthony Swan
Principal
Sunshine Beach State High School