Education 30 April 2024

Education

WELCOME to our GC&M News Education liftout where we aim to shine a spotlight on all the great initiatives our schools are undertaking to ensure our kids and grandchildren are ready to tackle the big wide world in years to come.

Educating never stops evolving. The ways we learned a few years ago, let alone a generation ago, never stops shifting.

With that in mind we take our hats off to the schools and teachers across the hinterland who have the daunting (but rewarding) task of helping mould our children into tomorrow’s leaders.

Mitch Gaynor, Editor, GC&M News

Phone ban improves student connection

Contact Tina or Lewis on 5438 7445 or email

Schools say smooth transition as kids forced away from screens

By Kirra Livingstone

HINTERLAND students are more sociable and active in lunchbreaks while cyberbullying is being kept in check across the day, in anecdotal fi a school phone ban was introduced across the state. Schools who spoke to GC&M News said the ban - enforced from Term 1 - had been a smooth transition that was followed by a noticeable increase in student socialisation and participation in school activities.

Beerwah State High School deputy principal, Wayne Lancaster, said the transition had been easier than expected.

“We thought we were going to have some troubles with the kids with phones, we’ve had some but nowhere near as much as we thought we were going to have,” he said.

“I think that the phone ban for us has been a pretty smooth transition, I think communicating clearly to the students and the parents has helped with that.

On top of the seamless transition, the school said the ban had seen obvious social improvements across the year levels.

“We notice how much more kids are interacting at lunch time, and we have a lot more students wanting

to do other activities at break too,” Mr Lancaster said.

“There’s more kids that will go play touch on the oval, or basketball on the hard courts and things like that.

“I’m not going to say that cyberbullying hasn’t decreased, we don’t see it happen during the day, so there’s been a reduction of those things happening definitely.”

The State Government’s ‘Away for the Day’ campaign

was directly aimed at reducing cyberbullying.

“Putting mobile phones ‘away for the day’ will encourage face-to-face social interactions between students, as well as promoting their health and wellbeing by providing more opportunities for physical activity during break times,” Education Minister Grace Grace, said at the time.

“It will also reduce the exposure of students to the unsafe or inappropriate

use of technology, such as cyberbullying, accessing harmful content or breaches of personal privacy.”

Maleny State High School principal, Deborah Stewart, said cyberbullying had definitely decreased during school hours.

“The number of cyberbullying issues that the school has had to investigate compared to last year has certainly decreased,” she said.

“It may be that the

bullying is occurring more er school, weekends or the holidays, rather than during school hours.” Glasshouse Christian College principal, Mike Curtis, said the school banned mobile phones about eight years ago.

Mobile phones are just total and utter distraction devices, it’s just totally opposite to what we want to have at school.

Mike

Curtis, GCC Principal

“Mobile phones are just total and utter distraction devices,” he said.

“It’s just totally opposite to what we want to have at school, we want to be focusing on teaching and learning and even being with each other.

“We have noticed a decrease in cyberbullying, there’s never been a point in which there hasn’t been a ban, but certainly yes we have found that it has improved.

“I think socialising and doing sport and activities at lunch time for students, there has been a definite improvement.”

kirra@gcnews.com.au

Lotty, Olivia and Madyson from Glasshouse Christian College

EDUCATION FEATURE in the Hinterland Education ......................

Is your child future ready?

Stimulate conversation with Open Day

By Sandy Johnson

WE live in exciting times and it is said that 65 per cent of school children will be employed in jobs that have yet to be created.

So how do our teenagers prepare for their future? What career pathways will futureproof fulfilling employment for them?

If you have a teen, they are probably already thinking about it, so now is a good time to talk with them about their dreams for the future.

be happy to share their experience of the College along with the fine-grained details of what a day at GCC typically looks like.

Visitors are surprised that such a young school has so many innovative, purposebuilt rooms.

The 600-seat multipurpose performance hall, with orchestra pit and retractable seating, is the crowning glory of GCC’s Performing Arts Centre and will be in full use on Open Day.

Where will your wings take you?

An ideal way to stimulate that conversation is to attend Glasshouse Christian College’s Open Day on Saturday, May 18 between 10am and 2pm.

The first thing you will be struck by is the warm and nurturing atmosphere. All GCC staff and many students will be in attendance and would

There are beautifully equipped facilities in Engineering and hightech metal fabrication, Science laboratories, Junior and Senior Hospitality kitchens, Dance, Drama and Music studios (including a recording studio!) a fantastic gym, modern classrooms, and an amazing library.

There will be musical, dance and drama performances throughout the event plus a sneak peek at this year’s musical. Beyond its facilities, GCC is renowned for its Christian valuesbased education which fosters a culture of life-long learning and supports students in becoming mature, responsible and confident adults.

Please note that there are short waiting pools across most year levels so it is never too early to attend GCC’s Open Day to find out if it is the right fit for your child or teen.

Out & About in Mooloolah

THE team at Out & About Care & Education in Mooloolah Valley has settled into the local community and enjoys being part of so many precious little lives. Out & About will celebrate its first birthday soon on Wednesday May 15. Thank you to all those lovely people and friends we now have for being supportive as we have grown. It has been a very busy first year of learning and adventure for everyone with lots more to come. We are here to support busy families, so contact us today if you need care and education for your little one. We have limited vacancies available in some

rooms, so now is a great time to ask.

Our children are enjoying many free extra-curricular learning events to support our educational programs. They include regular visits from Recycle Man who teaches children to support the natural world, Happy Feet Fitness, learning across many curricular areas with the beautiful and colourful Miss Gemma, Yoga with the serene Erika to help children feel calm and to be mindful of their own wellbeing, and ever lovely Victoria from The Kindness Co who assists children to be thoughtful and considerate of themselves, others and the world around them. Also,

the delightful Matthew and Juliet from Beezotted teach children about the part we all play in supporting a healthy world – even little native bees.

The program at Out & About is focussed on supporting young children to be the best they can be and to launch into formal school life well prepared and confident in their ability to manage each day and achieve success. We look forward to many more years of working with our wonderful families and children. Come in to say Hi some time soon or call us – we are always ready for a chat at Out & About Care & Education.

Designed by award-winning educators and professionals with

40

3 centres: Mooloolah Valley

2 in

GCC’s Open Day: Saturday 18 May 10am - 2pm

Free train rides around campus

Most school open days are just for prospective parents but Glasshouse Christian College is throwing open its doors for the whole community.

“Being part of our local community is important to us and that is why we would like to invite everyone to visit us on our Open Day,” said Principal Mike Curtis.

Dance, Drama and Music performances

GCC’s Open Day is for current parents, prospective parents and anyone who would like to have a closer look at this Prep to Year 12 school in the Glasshouse community.

This is a perfect outing for the whole family with free train rides, animal nursery and face painting. Make a day of it and enjoy lunch from one of the many food trucks or stands while listening to live music on the shady lawn outside the library.

Free bus tours of the Agricultural Science farm

Glasshouse Christian College has short waiting pools across most year levels and can no longer accept applications for Prep, Year 6 or Year 7 for 2025.

We encourage anyone who is interested to register as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY 20 MAY 10AM – 2PM

Take a campus tour and see the new buildings

Be entertained by Dance, Drama and Music performances

Enjoy Science shows and interactive displays

Purchase yummy snacks from the food trucks and stalls

Meet the Principal and teaching staff

Ride the free train around campus d d

Have fun with a free jumping castle and animal farm

EDUCATION FEATURE in the Hinterland Education ......................

Beerwah SHS ATAR success

2023 former students kicking goals

WE are very proud to share with the community that as a result of achieving an ATAR score above 90, four graduates from 2023 have received offers to study in their chosen degree pathways in areas including Physiotherapy, Biomedical Science, Commerce and Law.

Congratulations Lexie, Nikita, Poppy and Raisa! This success for all shows that anything is possible for

students who graduate from the gates of Beerwah SHS!

In addition to this, Beerwah SHS is proud to announce that Poppy Taylor from the class of ‘23 was recently recognised with a TJ Ryan Merit Award. Poppy was nominated for this award by our school as she demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and academic excellence during her senior years at high school. This is a

phenomenal achievement as fewer than 50 students from a statewide cohort of more than 50,000 receive this award. Congratulations Poppy, you have a very bright future ahead of you!

We will continue to profile and share with our community many other success stories as we hear about the great postschool destinations of our graduates from the class of 2023.

Exceptional childcare, personalised service

GUPPY’S Early Learning Beerwah (8-10 Greber Road, Beerwah) is positioned for convenience and easy family access provides a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for Early Learning and Long Daycare.

Our vision is to provide exceptional childcare through personalised service.

Our philosophy is built on a strong ethos of respect –

for children, their families and our educators. Our quality childcare programs are designed to support the individual needs of each child, ranging from 6 weeks to school age.

Our trained childcare professionals curate and modify the programs based on the individuals in their class each year, integrating a large focus on sustainability, recycling,

indoor/outdoor play and natural playscapes. With fantastic school holiday vacation care programs for school-aged kids, your child will spend their holidays playing, learning and having a blast!

Guppy’s prioritises playbased learning, expanding their Fine and Gross Motor Skills through a vast range of activities such as; sensory play, environment exploration and

investigation, and creative mediums.

Play-based learning encourages children to participate in a fun, confident and supportive learning space.

Enrol now for 2025, and join the Guppy’s Beerwah.

Beerwah State High School

“Our

Lexie Bachelor of Physiotherapy Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Poppy Bacheror of Biomedical Science University of Queensland (UQ)

Nikita Bacheror of Biomedical Science University of Queensland (UQ)

Raisa Bacheror of Commerce/ Law University of Queensland (UQ)

EDUCATION FEATURE in the Hinterland Education ......................

Calling all young artists!

Artists on the horizon youth showcase

GET ready to shine at the 2024 Artists on the Horizon, Youth Art Showcase at Immanuel Lutheran College!

It’s our first-ever student focused event, and we’re all about celebrating the incredible talent of young artists from the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

Here’s what you need to know:

Entries are open now and close Wednesday, July 31, at 5pm, and the cost to enter is free. The arts showcase is open to all students from Prep to Year 12.

The showcase will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at A.J. Stadium, Immanuel Lutheran College, Buderim.

We want to see visual and creative art pieces that celebrate unique style and vision.

Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, take photos, or create wearable art, this is a chance to shine!

Plus, there are amazing prizes up for grabs, including a $3000 prize

pool generously donated by Haymes Paint Shop Maroochydore, along with extra creative rewards like art supplies and lesson vouchers.

10 August, 2024. It’s free to enter and entry to the gallery is just a gold coin donation. Winners will be announced throughout the day.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your talents to the world and be part of a celebration of rising artists. Join us at Immanuel Lutheran College for an exciting exhibition and sale of student artworks, open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Saturday,

Let’s make this event unforgettable – we can’t wait to see what you create! Register today! www. artistsonthehorizon.com.au

g

‘Under Eights’ celebration day

JOIN in the Under Eights Day celebration at Landsborough State School on Friday, May 24, from 8:45am until 10:30am.

The school is inviting all young children and their families in the local community to come along for a morning packed with exciting activities, games and endless smiles!

The day coincides with Under Eights Week 2024 and provides an

opportunity for young children to shine, highlighting the rich contribution they make to the community.

This year’s theme is ‘Connecting to Culture Through Play’ and the school has planned a variety of activities that encourage playfulness, spontaneity, exploration, imagination and fun!

Principal Selina Barry, explained how the day is all about the youngsters.

“Our school really looks forward to hosting Under Eights Day celebrations each year. Everything is fun when you’re under eight. It’s all about being a kid, enjoying all the good things and bringing everyone together,’ she said.

The Under Eights Day event is free to attend. If you would like any further information, please contact Landsborough State School on 5436

EDUCATION FEATURE in the Hinterland Education ......................

Small school with big values

MALENY State High School has approximately 700 students currently enrolled from Years 7 - 12.

We believe that this is the perfect number to guarantee a unique balance of individualised student care whilst offering a diverse range of curriculum programs and activities.

Our school prides itself on its rich history of outstanding academic

achievements which are created through a commitment to care and compassion.

Our students are local and global citizens who thrive in a friendly, personalised educational community.

They are offered a range of academic and Vocational pursuits, schoolbased traineeships and apprenticeship pathways.

It’s such a privilege to have an on-site, fully functional, agriculture farm. This offers our students opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

Our students learn responsibility, initiative, teamwork and the importance of caring for the environment through interaction with animals

and the land.

Maleny High offers a smorgasbord of programs and initiatives that pique student interest. We are a School of Excellence in Music. There is also an ‘Altitude’ Program (Science & Mathematics Academy in Years 7 and 8), flourishing International Student Program (Home Stay, Study Tour and Long/Short-Term enrolments) as well as Leadership opportunities.

Our thriving Student Council (alongside various other groups and committees such as Interact and the Inter-Year Program) give students a voice and

a platform to get involved in the decisions that shape our school. Junior students participate regularly in interschool sporting events. We’d love to showcase some of the many things that make Maleny High a special place to learn.

Please join us on Friday, May 3 (9am to 11.15am) for an Open Morning where you can meet and chat with our school’s Administration team, School Captains and Junior Secondary Student Leaders. There will be an Information Session followed by refreshments and guided tours of the school.

The power of quality education

Inspiring students to embrace and value inclusivity, empathy and authentic care

By Lizzi Hickey

ST John’s has been established for over eighty years as a Catholic secondary school in Nambour. With outstanding modern facilities, St John’s College has a fine tradition of scholastic, cultural, sporting and extra-curricular success and excellence.

We prioritise the happiness and safety of our students. Our dedicated and supportive community fosters an environment

where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and connection, is valued and encouraged to explore and achieve their full potential.

We believe in the power of a quality Catholic education to guide students towards becoming respectful, responsible, resilient and compassionate individuals. Through a curriculum embedded in these principles, we inspire our students to embrace and value inclusivity, empathy,

humility, kindness, stewardship and an authentic care for the other.

Our approach to learning is centred around meeting students at their stage of development and level of readiness. We understand each child is unique, with different strengths, talents and learning styles. With personalised attention and a tailored curriculum, we ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally, so that

they meet and exceed their individual goals and aspirations.

At St John’s College, our staff go beyond academic achievement to foster holistic development. Our comprehensive programs encompass sports, leadership, arts, music and many extra- curricular activities, enabling students to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom.

Enrol and unlock a world of possibilities for your