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Warm regards, Lee Goossens  Top
Senior SchoolBy Ms Denise Schultz - Deputy Principal  In the Senior School, Years 10, 11 and 12, we make it a priority to track and monitor all students. This is to ensure that students are keeping up with assessment, completing assignments and positioning themselves to achieve the best outcomes.
This cannot be achieved by teachers or students in isolation. Young people need encouragement, support and nurturing to reach their goals. Success is more likely when it is a three way venture; when teachers, students and parents work together. The Progress Report for Term 1 will be posted in the first week of Term 2. Parent, teacher and student interviews will be held on Tuesday 5 May from 3.30pm until 6.30pm. A booking sheet and letter of explanation will be posted home with the student report. It is essential that all students see their teachers to book a convenient interview time. COME AND MEET YOUR SON'S / DAUGHTER'S TEACHERS. We look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday, 5 May. Top Calendar Of Events
| Monday 06 April | Assessment Week begins | | Thursday 09 April | Last day Term 1 | | Friday 10 April | Good Friday | | Monday 20 April | Staff Only Day | | Tuesday 21 April | Beginning Term 2 |
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STUDENT ABSENTEE HOTLINE 5471 5360 (24 hours) |
Nominate Your Favourte Teacher
Students are now able to tell us all about what makes their teacher so special with the My Favourite Teacher program. This year, students are asked to nominate a teacher who has inspired them to become more creative as part of the Year of Creativity. My Favourite Teacher is an opportunity to recognise and reward the commitment of Queensland state school teachers. Last year, Queensland students cast more than 4000 votes. State school students are encouraged to nominate their favourite teacher via the Department's website: http://www.education.qld.gov.au/community/events/edweek/favteacher/ All students need to do is write in 25 words or less why their favourite teacher is so special. Of course, parents of younger children are encouraged to give them a hand. Entries close on 8 May and the winning teachers will be announced during State Education Week, to be held from 1 - 5 June. Top Numeracy Tips for Parents and Carers to Help High School StudentsTo support your high school student's efforts at school you can continue the lessons they learn in the classroom by helping them to develop their numeracy skills at home. Some activities you could do include: - asking for their help when using a map or street directory to travel to a new destination
- planning a family holiday including budget and travel times
- discussing what measurements you need for decorating or renovating a room. For example, "what measurements do we need to make when buying a desk?" and "do we need to measure or will estimating be acceptable?"
- when assembling furniture read the assembly instructions and relate them to the real object. Discuss how twodimensional drawings are related to three-dimensional items
- draw and discuss plans related to landscaping decisions around the home
- discuss the implications of time issues related to overseas locations
- use computer packages that create virtual rooms to help visualise what a room would look like, if planning renovations.
For more information about how you can help your child with literacy and numeracy visit www.education.qld.gov.au/parents/map Top
COOLUM STATE HIGH SCHOOL
IS SEEKING
HOMESTAY FAMILIES Who are: - Keen to learn about different cultures and establish lifetime friends
- Caring and involved English speaking family
Who can provide: - Individual furnished bedroom
- All meals and snacks - must be nutritious, varied and plentiful
- Access to internet
- Close proximity to Coolum State High School
(5 kms) - Close to public transport
- Minimum 6 months placement preferred
- Eligibility for Suitability Blue Card from Commission for Children and Young People Child Guardian
Phone Desley on 5471 5303 for more information CRICOS Provider No: 00608A |
Coolum Meets Canberra 2009
By Ms Sally Vellar - HOD Social Sciences/LOTE 
Australian Government Assistance for National Capital ExcursionThe long awaited ‘Coolum Meets Canberra' trip has finally arrived! Twenty students and teachers will be taking an educational tour of the national capital. While on this tour, they will participate in a variety of educational programs focused on Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their nation's capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. We have been fortunate to receive the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) from the Australian Government to assist students with the travel expenses incurred. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program. We look forward to updating you on the success and excitement of our trip in the next newsletter. Top Musical ExtravaganzaBy Ms Di Treichel - Producer  Rehearsals for this year's musical are well underway. On 28, 29, 30 May three evening performances of "Skooliez" will be staged at the Coolum Civic Centre with one matinee for a primary school audience.
"Skooliez" tells the story of two lame-brained crooks (played by Carla Archibald and Gene Harvey) and a wicked hotel manager (Brad Cvilikas) who try to take advantage of innocent teenagers (who are enjoying their end-of-school celebrations at the Gold Coast) in order to steal their belongings. Fortunately the kids are also in the sights of three over-protective mums (Rachel Prendeville, Siarne Loeve, Eliza Collins) who outwit the crooks. The story centres around three Year 12s, Dan, Justin and Kieran, (Ben McDonald, Matt Schwenke and Liam McKay) who meet up with Liz, Carly and Prissy (played by Natasha Tidey, Elleicia Box and Jaymi Martin) and, of course, love is in the air.
We have a cast of almost 60 working most lunch hours either in acting with Ms Slatter or Ms Booth or in singing with Ms Neumann or Mr Samson, as well as a two hour rehearsal every Monday after school. In addition, dancers are working with Ms Ford and Ms Maguire to get choreography and dance steps just right. Finally, Ms Guest is working hard with the orchestra. This is, of course, just the beginning. Ms Kryger and Mr Lohrey have also begun preparing backdrops for painting. Many other staff members from across the school and many students in addition to the cast and band will contribute to this huge all-of-school production. Ms Claire McAllister from Home Economics has taken on the big job of costumes. If there are any parents or friends who would be able to give a hand with costumes, she would be very grateful. Watch this space for more musical news and please keep one evening free on the above dates to come and enjoy a great musical night. See you there. Top Learning SupportBy Amanda Coolican and Pamela Wade - Teachers   We have two learning support teachers, Ms Wade and Ms Coolican, plus one full time teacher aide , Ms Tourish, who are working in literacy and numeracy classes supporting those students who require individual assistance.
If you could encourage your child to bring their books and pens to class, along with any other equipment required, that would help them attend to and complete their work. Also, if no homework is written for that day, it means they are to revise their day's work. All Year 8 and Year 9 English classes have homework sheets given out weekly. All Maths classes have homework weekly, either from their text book, or from a teacher-written homework sheet. Regarding class work written on the computer, your child can email their work to the school using their school logon as their email address, adding it as an attachment, eg xxxxx45@eq.edu.au or they can bring in a USB key. However, telling the teacher all their work is "on the computer at home, that's why I can't do anything in class" is not an acceptable excuse. If you have any particular concerns which are not currently being addressed, please contact us on the school phone line. Exploring Numeracy with Your Student
While board games and puzzles may appear to be just fun activities, they can also help to improve your student's numeracy skills and encourage them to think logically.
To be numerate is to confidently and effectively use mathematics to meet the everyday demands of life. Many opportunities to be numerate happen at home. Here are a few ways you can explore numeracy with your student: - show your student how you use maths for different reasons, such as looking at timetables, calendars and clocks
- talk about the numbers and patterns your student comes across each day while playing games or sports
- encourage your student to count and sort objects into groups. You could use books, clothing or shoes and discuss how they sorted them into those groups
- explore ways to use and count money through budgets and shopping. Let your student calculate the cost of items and help them add up how much change you will receive
- ask questions such as, "Does that make sense?" or "Can this be done another way?" to help develop numerate thinking when they are solving problems
- talk positively about maths and show interest in the maths they learn at school.
If you would like to know more about exploring numeracy contact your student's teacher. Maths For Parents
Just a reminder that a Year 8 "Maths for Parents" Program commences soon at Coolum High School.
This program is totally free and run each year by Coolum High. It is designed specifically to assist both parents and students with the current Year 8 Maths program. As the Year 8 Maths work provides foundations for all maths, the program is also of great benefit to parents of Year 9 and 10 students, as well as parents of Year 7 students.
The program will commence on Tuesday 28 April 2009 from 7.00pm to 9.00pm run over 9 weeks. The program is directly linked to what students are doing in Year 8. Sessions are presented in a relaxed and fun way to enable participants to work at their own pace, and tea/coffee/biscuits are provided.
This program reflects the school's commitment to maximising educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.
The program fills quickly, so book soon by leaving your name and contact phone number with our office staff on ph 5471 5333. For more information about the sessions, contact Learning Support Teacher Amanda Coolican.
Gifted and Talented Conference
A one day Gifted and Talented Student Conference 2009 will be held for Year 10 and Year 11 students (15 and 16 years of age) at St Joseph's Nudgee College, Brisbane on 14 May.
The program aims to improve thinking skills, begin to identify what is fundamental and what is trivial, identify assumptions and distinguish arguments, think systematically and rigorously about modern day issues, and more... The Conference entry fee is $30.00 for each student and parent. Please contact Ms Pamela Wade for registration details. Top Science DepartmentBy Amanda Anker - HOD Mathematics  Coolum High Schools' budding student scientists have been getting their hands dirty during Term 1, all in the name of research.
As the first term of the school year comes to an end, the Science Department has already seen a whirlwind of enthusiasm and creativity from students eager to explore the world of science in and around the school yard.
Year 8 students showed their green thumbs this term when the concept of Guerrilla Gardeners took off in late February. The idea behind the garden project was to encourage and motivate students to think outside the square when it came to sustainability. Students have planted, and are growing, a herb and vegetable garden in an endeavour to develop Coolum State High School as a school which can sustain itself. On Wednesday 25 March, Year 10 students came face to face with some of the Sunshine Coast's finest scientists and researchers during the school excursion to ‘Scientists on the Loose'. A television presenter from the ABC's New Inventors, Benni Hobbs, immersed students in the world of science. Local scientists gave students an insight into their projects and inventions. The excursion not only showed students particular career paths within the realm of science, it also outlined various university degrees and courses on offer.
Ms Wilson will be doing Science tutoring in the library on Wednesday afternoons. All students are welcome to attend. Students must bring their own work to the sessions. Tutoring will start 3.00pm and end at 4.30pm. We would also like to add a very big ‘thank you' to Bunnings at Maroochydore for their generous contribution of plants to our garden. Term 2 looks set to be another productive and exciting term for staff and students, with more opportunities for hands on experience within the Science Department. Top Drama DepartmentBy Ms Kylie Slatter, Co-ordinator
 The Australian Acting Academy
The Australian Acting Academy is celebrating the year of Creativity with the launch of its new program ACT FOR LIFE - a dynamic course combining its years of actor training with the world's TOP life skills coaching - modelling the worlds most successful people to develop what we call success attributes.
You will notice a positive change in as little as 8 weeks as we instil in them success attributes like TRUE self esteem, the ability to communicate their ideas - to individuals and teams, the confidence to dare to be different, walk tall and look the world in the eye, all in an inspirational environment that will allow them to feel safe to explore who they are, and more importantly, who they WANT to become. The ACT FOR LIFE program is for everyone and will see them succeeding in more than just acting: - Oral presentations
- Job interviews
- Debating
- House and school representation
- Leadership roles; just to name a few...not to mention enhancing the ability to develop life direction and choose a peer group that positively supports it.
Remember there is absolutely nothing to risk and everything to gain and if you don't see any improvement in acting, confidence or attitude in the first 8 weeks we will refund 100% of all monies paid...No questions asked.
Scholarships-Scholarships-Scholarships
The Australian Acting Academy and CCS are celebrating the year of Creativity and making it even easier for you to support your child by giving away a SCHOLARSHIP. All the student needs to do is attend the three week Character unit for $50 and on the last class someone will walk away with term two for FREE.
Call me on 0418 795 186 and register for our 3 week Character Unit at Coolum High School. Mary Eggleston
Australian Acting Academy
Inspiring 1000 000 youth by 2020!
www.actingacaqdemy.com.au
Zen Zen Zo - Artist In Residence
On 26 February and 26 March, the Year 12's of Coolum High School participated in an Artist in Residence Program with professional theatre company Zen Zen Zo. We learnt about some physical theatre techniques including Butoh, Mime, Suzuki and Viewpoints.
Each of the sessions was extremely interesting and engaging! One of the highlights was a composition task, where in small groups, we were asked to create a physical theatre piece based on one of the following headings based on Macbeth: ‘Power and Glory', ‘Blood on their Hands', ‘Creeping in the Darkness' and ‘Down Fall'. Each group used Topography, Kinesthetic Response, Spatial Relationships, Shape, Gesture and Architecture to enhance their performances.
Natasha Tidey The Zen Zen Zo workshop really opened my mind and furthered my understanding of the dramatic viewpoints. Having a professional here teaching and advising us on different ways to construct our performances broadened my mind and gave me a lot more ideas that I can incorporate into our piece for Macbeth. I really enjoyed today and I thought it was a lot better than I expected it would be. Thanks Ms Slatter!
Jaymi Martin The ‘Artist in Residence' workshop was incredible! Participating in these workshops was a great experience and opened my eyes to many of the amazing and different styles of physical theatre. In my opinion, it has made me a better actor and helped me understand and incorporate new techniques into my physical performance.
Hayley Morden I enjoyed working with a professional and it has given me great ideas for our upcoming assessment. I hope to see more Zen Zen Zo performances in the future.
Stephanie Giles Top Business Services ManagerBy Ms Robyn Hicks  At Coolum State High School, we are committed to providing all necessary facilities and resources to students to enable them to reach their full potential.
For this to happen, as with any organisation, there must be a budget and readily accessible finances. Many of our families have already committed to a payment plan or have paid their school fees in full. However, we are aware that the current economic climate has caused untold hardship for many household budgets. To ensure that no student is disadvantaged in not being provided with text books or being able to participate in curriculum-based activities, families who have not paid school fees, are not on a payment plan, and are experiencing financial difficulties, are requested to make an appointment with me (telephone 5471 5333) so that suitable arrangements can be made for the payment of the fees. Top
Our State, Your Stories competition Students in Years 5 -12 are invited to enter an exciting new writing competition, Our State, Your Stories. As part of the Year of Creativity, students choose a photo from the John Oxley Library or The Courier-Mail online collections for their inspiration on the past, or use their imagination to write about Queensland in the next 150 years. The competition winners will: - win a Dreamworld passes pack
- have their work published in The Courier-Mail, the Year of Creativity and Q150 websites, and have their story permanently added to the John Oxley Collection
- attend a writer's workshop with author Rebecca Sparrow
- receive a Brisbane Writers Festival prize.
Contribute your vision of Queensland to the Q150 and Year of Creativity celebrations by entering Our State, Your Stories. Entries close 9 April 2009.
To enter the competition, visit the Year of Creativity website: www.yearofcreativity.deta.qld.gov.au/ |
From the Guidance OfficeBy Liz Mortimer and Alison Upton   This term has offered students many opportunities to get involved in school life, and to begin a good study program. Many students have found the progression to a higher school level challenging. Without a good program of study all the time, not only at exam time, students will continue to find end of term and semester time very stressful. We urge all students to involve themselves in regular focussed homework and study time.
Year 12 students recently started their career program, with the Career Roadshow. All students participated in sessions with Universities, TAFE, and Employment agencies, as relevant for their particular goals. Next term this process will continue with career interviews, Careers Market opportunities, and the start of open days at many institutions. We encourage all students to collect as much information as possible, as early as possible, in order to make an informed decision of their first path after school. Even students who intend to take a year off before study are best advised to make their study choices this year and then defer, as the greatest chance of entry to Uni comes this way.
Year 11 students will have the opportunity to change subjects at the start of Term 2. Any student who is in a subject that they don't believe they can succeed in, should be looking at changing to one that will enhance their chances of success. Year 10 students will study a Career Unit in English in Term 2, culminating in a Mock job interview. We encourage all students to use this as a great chance for career exploration, and an opportunity to enhance interviewing skills that may ultimately gain them employment. Congratulations to our Middle School leaders, who received their badges recently. It is a great honour to be selected by peers and staff as a leader within the school community. We encourage these, and all students, to use their leadership skills to bring about benefits for the school and community. Within our school community there are many families who are currently affected by serious illness, and others suffering from the effects of an economic crisis. We offer our support to all of these families, and encourage you to let us know if there are ways that we can assist you and your children. Please feel free to contact us so that we can support you and your children through these difficult times. Top Middle School By Ms Trisha Wilcox - Deputy Principal  Teachers and students have been involved in the planning and successful delivery of many Middle School projects over the past few weeks. Belinda Sparkes and Lowana Walker have been working with our Middle School leaders to prepare for Middle School Investiture which showcased the many talents and energies of students in the Middle School. It is particularly pleasing to see the enthusiasm of our Year 8 students who already have plans to develop activities for the future, communicating that they are loving their experiences at Coolum High. The standard of speeches from our Year 9 students running for Middle School Captain positions was outstanding and we know we have a dedicated team of mature, hard working leaders in position for the year ahead.
The Year 8 team has been working on developing a team work and problem solving day - Big Day Out - for the last Thursday of term. Keven Nix and Amanda Anker have collaborated with Year 8 homegroup teachers to plan a fantastic day and bring our Year 8 students closer together, to have a fun experience celebrating their first term in high school.
It has been a big term, but the foundations are now strongly built for a successful year ahead and we look forward to the opportunities to meet all our Middle School parents at parent teacher interviews on 5 May.
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I cannot believe how quickly this term has progressed. The fact that Easter is nearly upon us is quite unbelievable. 
