Deputy's Desk

Attendance

Children do better when they go to school all day, everyday. Regular school attendance has a positive impact on students' academic results and their social and emotional wellbeing. If your child is absent from school, you must let the school know the reason by writing a note or calling the school office on 5520 8333 to explain.  Every day counts and regular school attendance ensures your child gets the most out of  the primary school foundation years.

Bullying No Way Day - Friday

This Friday we will be participating in 'Bullying No Way Day'. This is a great opportunity for all students to discuss bullying and the many different forms it can take. We are very lucky at Palm Beach to have very few bullying incidents, however this is a great way to discuss what bullying looks like and what students can do if faced with bullying or see bullying occurring. It is important to remember that everyone has a voice, at school students have a voice regarding bullying and can tell a teacher or their parents if someone else or themselves are being bullied. 

Students will be engaged in many activities throughout the day including a dance competition at first and second break. We are asking for a gold coin donation at the beginning of the day and glow sticks will be available at the lunch time dance competitions/ disco for 50c. All money raised will go to the student council and will be used to purchase an ANZAC Day Wreath and a rescue tube to support the school surfing program. 

Parent Teacher Interview

As you are aware we have trialed an online booking system this term for parent/teacher interview bookings. As this is the first time we have trialed this system, we would love to hear feedback regarding this process and if you preferred this method compared to previous years. If you could please email any feedback regarding this process to admin@palmbeacss.eq.edu.au

Year 6 Camp

The Year 6 students had a great time at their recent camp to Elanda Point on the Sunshine Coast. Students engaged in a range of different activities ranging from mountain biking, archery, the giant swing and water activities. I was fortunate enough to go up for a night and enjoyed the air-conditioned cabins. The students behaviour was outstanding and they actively engaged in all of the activities and supported each other when they were faced with challenges. We received the following feedback from the camp which just shows what great students we have at PBSS.

'Wet weather conditions on the first day of camp were difficult and our own instructors claimed that they themselves struggled in those water logged areas, but they were amazed that your students were so motivated, persisted and wanted to complete all tasks given to them.... I do believe that Palm Beach SS kids were the best group of students and support group we have had at Elanda Point in a long time. Your group of kids were very polite and well mannered which is a great accomplishment for any school.'

Parent Information Session - Reading Eggs

On Tuesday March 20th at 2.00-2.45 pm there will be a parent information session on Reading Eggs in the library.  Reading Eggs is an online reading and comprehension program that PBSS will be accessing. As this is a new program for many of our families, this information session will be beneficial in helping you support your child. Please RSVP to your child's teacher to secure your spot.

ICAS Competition

Each year PBSS offers students in Year 2 - 6 the opportunity to participate in the ICAS Maths, English and Science Competitions which are held later in the year.  ICAS provides an opportunity for students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing situation. All students who complete the test/s receive acertificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly and their score compared with the rest of the students tested.

A parent permission letter with further information including the cost of each assessment was emailed out last week. These notes are due back to the office with the total payment by Friday 24th of March. If you did not receive this email and would like a form, please contact the office. 

Easter Collection 

This year PBSS will be a collection point for donations to support the Gold Coast Youth Service. If you are able to donate any of the items below please bring to the office and place in the blue bucket.