Principal’s Report

SHANE DUPUY

And just like that, we’re done! What a truly positive and rewarding start to the 2026 school year.

It has been a pleasure to welcome so many new families into our PBC community. From the very first day, our students have approached their learning with enthusiasm and commitment, engaging beautifully with their studies and embracing the opportunities before them. I would like to extend a special congratulations to our new students, who have seamlessly settled into school life, building strong and meaningful connections with their teachers, support staff, and classmates. In my time as Principal, I can confidently say that this has been the smoothest and calmest start to a school year I have experienced. This is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, our engaged students, and our supportive families; thank you all for contributing to such a successful beginning to 2026.

Our commitment to providing a holistic education has been clearly evident throughout the term. Beyond the classroom, students have embraced a wide range of enriching experiences that support their personal growth and development. From engaging excursions and memorable overnight camps to the exciting opportunity for 18 of our students who are currently travelling to Japan for a two-week immersion and sightseeing experience, it has been wonderful to see our students broaden their horizons. These opportunities would not be possible without the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our families, and for that, I extend my sincere thanks.

This term has also provided many valuable opportunities to strengthen our connections within the broader community. Our students have demonstrated compassion and enthusiasm through visits to Arcare as part of the Mind Program, while our younger learners have benefited from the Reading Dogs initiative to support literacy development. The before-school reading program and the engaging activities organised by our HUB team have further enriched student learning and connection.
We were delighted to welcome families to several key events this term, including our annual Year 12 Breakfast, which continues to be a special occasion for our senior students and their families. Miss Tania’s Grandparents Day was, once again, a highlight, with overwhelming and heartwarming support from our community. Rare Disease Day saw our students come together to raise funds for ‘Our Moon’s Mission’, demonstrating both empathy and initiative. Our Cross Country event brought families together in a vibrant and active atmosphere, and Primary School Parent-Teacher Interviews provided an important opportunity for meaningful conversations about student progress and growth.

As we look ahead to Term 2, I would like to share a few staffing updates. We wish Mrs. Maddy Moffatt all the very best as she begins her maternity leave and look forward to hearing the joyous news of her newborn in the coming weeks. Ms. Eleni Patrick will take over most of Mrs. Moffatt’s classes whilst we are delighted to announce that Mr. Luke Bowers will be returning to PBC, where he will be covering the majority of Ms. Patrick’s classes.

Thank you once again to our entire PBC community for your ongoing support, dedication, and commitment. I wish all families a safe and restful break, and I look forward to another productive and rewarding term ahead.

College Coordinator Report

ALEC WAREING

As we come to the end of Term 1, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many achievements across our College and to look ahead to important events coming up next term. We thank our students, staff, and families for a positive and productive start to the year.

Congratulations Prep
A very special congratulations to our Prep students on successfully completing their first term of schooling. This is a significant milestone, and we are so proud of the confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm they have shown as they begin their learning journey. We also extend our congratulations to our Prep parents and carers for supporting their children through this important transition and becoming part of our school community.

NAPLAN Concludes
I would also like to congratulate all students who recently completed NAPLAN. Their focus and effort throughout the testing period is to be commended. Thank you to Mr McDuff and Mrs Kerin for their coordination, and to our IT team for ensuring the testing process ran smoothly, allowing students to complete their assessments as planned, when planned.

Meet the Team
You may have seen our ‘Meet the Team’ posts on the College’s social media, featuring staff members and a snapshot of their roles within our community. We would love to see our PBC community engaging with these posts, whether that’s liking, commenting, or even sharing a positive memory you or your child has with these teachers.

Student Review Meetings (Years 7–12)
Student Review Meetings will take place on 28 April 2026. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to discuss student progress and goals. Families are encouraged to keep an eye out for the booking link, which will be shared during the holiday period.

Learning Behaviour Reports (Years 7-12)
Learning Behaviour Reports will be made available to families on 7 April 2026. These reports highlight key learning behaviours including punctuality, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and the completion of tasks to the expected standard. We encourage families to review these carefully and use them as a basis for reflection and goal setting with their child.

Year 8 Subject Information Evening
On 26 May, Year 8 students and their families are invited to attend the Subject Information Evening. This event provides insight into elective choices for the following year and offers an opportunity to meet and speak with teaching staff. More information to come early next term.

Year 9–12 Subject Information Evening
This evening supports students in planning their future pathways. Year 9 students will explore career and VET options, while Year 10 students will learn about senior schooling, QCE requirements, and subject choices for Year 11, with a university representative available for questions.

Attendance is essential for all Year 9 and 10 students, as the session prepares them for upcoming JET and SET planning meetings in June. Year 11 and 12 students and families are also encouraged to attend to refresh their understanding of post-school pathways, with a range of external providers available for consultation.

More information to come early next term.

Finally, I wish all PBC community members a safe and restful holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2.

Primary School Coordinator Report

NICOLA KERIN

As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding Term 1, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many moments of growth, connection, and achievement across our Primary School.

There has already been a strong interest in our Prep 2027 enrolments, as well as enrolments across the Primary school. We are delighted to be welcoming new families into our community and look forward to officially beginning our Prep transition program in Term 2. This will include our much-loved Prep Story Time sessions, kindy visits, and a special invitation for our future Prep students to attend the Prep ‘Sounds Great’ Parade. These experiences are designed to build confidence, familiarity, and excitement as children begin their school journey with us. If you, or someone you know, has a child due to start school next year, please reach out to get more information on our fabulous Prep transition program.

As I write this, I am enjoying being part of our Year 6 camp at Tunnel Ridge Ranch. It has certainly been a highlight of the term for the students and teachers. Students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm—whether it was challenging themselves through new activities, building resilience, or strengthening friendships. To kick off camp week, Year 6 participated in a Character Builders incursion ‘Rally the troops’ where many identified the importance of talking to new people, encouraging others, and working through challenges as a team, as ways to contribute positively to the group. It was fantastic to see their leadership and teamwork on display, and we thank our staff for creating such a memorable experience.

As we look ahead to Term 2, there is much to anticipate. Students across P–6 will be engaging in a range of excursions that enrich classroom learning and provide valuable real-world connections. Our Year 4 and 5 students are eagerly preparing for their upcoming camps, which promise to be another opportunity for growth and adventure. We also look forward to our Athletics Day, a highlight of the school calendar, where participation, house spirit, and perseverance are celebrated.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for contributing to such a positive start to the year. I wish everyone a safe and restful Easter break and look forward to another fantastic term ahead.

Secondary Coordinator Report

NIGEL MCDUFF

Term 1 Review

As this is the final newsletter for Term 1, it is great to look back on what we have achieved in the secondary school over the last 10 weeks.  The big-ticket items have included NAPLAN testing, Year 11 Exam Block, and our first outdoor education camp of the year for our Year 7 cohort.  We have also been busy at the top end of the secondary school making sure our small Year 12 cohort are on the right path for their final year and finding alternative pathways for Year 10-12 students who wish to pursue vocational training and courses through external providers.  It was also great to see the attendance and participation of our senior school in the recent Cross Country both in their individual events and supporting our younger students during their races.

Japan Trip

Today we farewell our secondary students who are departing today for 2 weeks in Japan.  18 students from Year 8-11 are participating in the trip and will be visiting the sights of Japan whilst immersing themselves in the language and culture.  Mrs Schlotterbach and Mrs Olsen are accompanying the students and we look forward to hearing about their experience when they return at the end of the break.

Term 2 Events

Term 2 commences on Monday 20th April as a normal school day.  Our first week back will have our ANZAC Day commemoration on Friday 24th April and it should be noted by families that ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday this year and there is no public holiday associated with it when this is the case.  The only long weekend for Term 2 falls the following weekend when we observe the Labor Day public holiday on Monday 4th May.  Our first round of Parent-Teacher Interviews also take place in week 2 and I encourage all families to book in and speak with their child’s teachers regarding reports from Term 1 and classroom progress in general.

Towards the end of Term 2, things get busy again in the secondary school with Year 8 Camp, and Work Experience for our Year 10 cohort.  We also devote a large amount of time to our current Year 9 and Year 10 students with JET and SET planning meetings where we plan out subject choices in the following years and potential university and vocational pathways once they leave school.

The last day of Term 2 is Friday 19th June.

ANZAC Day Commemorations

Acknowledging ANZAC Day holds a special place at the College as well as with myself personally.  It is a time to reflect on not just the conflict at ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli, but all the sacrifices our service men and women have given to their country to give us the lifestyle we are used to today.  We will be conducting a traditional ANZAC Day assembly at school on Friday 24th April including laying wreaths and observing a minutes silence.  I also encourage all students, but particularly our Year 12 students to join me as a school group and attend the dawn service at Coolum RSL on the morning of ANZAC Day.  

At the start of each school year, everything feels settled; forms are completed, details are current, and routines are in place. But as the year unfolds, life can change, sometimes in ways that aren’t always communicated to the school.

To help us best support your child, we kindly ask all families to take a moment to consider whether any of your personal circumstances have changed since your initial enrolment or last update.

This may include:

Having accurate and up-to-date information ensures we can communicate effectively with the right people, provide appropriate support for your child, and meet our duty of care responsibilities.

We understand that some changes can be sensitive in nature, and we approach all updates with care, discretion, and confidentiality.

If any of your details have changed, or if you’re unsure whether an update is needed, please contact our Administration team at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for helping us keep our records current and for working in partnership with us to support your child’s wellbeing and success.

Guidance Services

HAYLEY CLIFTON & JACQUI VOS

Everyone Belongs at PBC

During Week 7, PBC celebrated Harmony Week, where we recognised Australia's rich cultural diversity and the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.   

It is no surprise that the overarching theme for Harmony Week is 'Everyone Belongs'.  The need to belong is a well-established human emotional need to be accepted by members of a group.  It is more than just having people around you; it is knowing that you are accepted, respected, valued, and supported by others.  A healthy sense of belonging is vital for our mental well-being with research linking it to numerous positive effects including better resilience, motivation, academic achievement and physical wellness.  Students that have a positive sense of belonging have been shown to have: 

  • lower absenteeism 
  • higher levels of effort, interest and motivation 
  • positive homework behaviour 
  • being more likely to like school 
  • trusting and respecting their teachers 
  • enjoying challenging learning activities 
  • being concerned about and helping others. 

Harmony Week highlights that developing a sense of belonging does not come from conforming to the group, or everyone needing to be the same; it comes when we feel comfortable to 'be ourselves' and when our cultural identity is welcomed and valued. At PBC we want to encourage our students to be curious about and celebrate our differences.   

To explore this our student cohort worked in buddy classes where secondary and primary students came together to learn about the multicultural identity of Australia.  They learnt that almost half of Australian residents were either born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas. They also learnt that more than 150 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander languages are spoken in Australia.  Students then designed and decorated jigsaw puzzle pieces representing their identity – every piece different in its own way but fitting together to make the PBC community the special place it is. 

To find out more, visit: 

https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/parenting-articles/parent-tip-sheet-developing-your-child-s-sense-of-belonging-at-home 

https://www.thepyjamafoundation.com/blog/everyone-belongs–harmony-week?utm_source=copilot.com

Parent Support

Library News

Hello Readers

We held our annual GRANDPARENTS AND FRIENDS LIBRARY BOOK FUNDRAISER during Week 6 this term and it was a huge success thanks to our generous guests.

This event included a classroom visit, listening to a story and an interactive poem, some fun and impromptu Q&A with Mr Dupuy, creative ‘reaching for the stars’ artworks, shopping for the perfect library book to donate and then enjoying morning tea.  The donated books are now housed in the library for our student readers to borrow.  Thank you all so much for making this event so enjoyable for our school.

If, during the school holidays, you come across PBC library books please send them back in week 1 of next term.  We have quite a few outstanding books that I would like to have back on our shelves for children to borrow.  Thank you.

As always, book donations are always welcome – thank you to those families who have sent through books already this year.

Happy holidays!

Yours in reading every day
Miss Tania

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our highest priority, and we ask for your support in ensuring our carpark remains a safe environment for everyone.

We have recently observed an increase in vehicles travelling at higher speeds within the carpark, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up times. With many young children moving through this space, often unpredictably, it is essential that all drivers remain vigilant and drive slowly at all times.

Please remember to:

  • Adhere to the designated speed limits (walking pace only)
  • Be alert for children crossing between vehicles
  • Use designated pick-up and drop-off zones correctly
  • Avoid using mobile phones while driving in the carpark

A moment of patience can make a significant difference in keeping our community safe. We appreciate your cooperation and consideration, especially during peak times.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all.

MIND – STEAM

What a fun and hands on term we’ve had in our MIND – STEAM group!

Students explored a range of exciting challenges, including building bridges, creating the longest marble runs, designing boats that could float, and even making catapults. We also investigated the science behind dancing balloon people and enjoyed colourful skittles experiments.

Students also built their own balloon-powered cars and loved watching them race across the classroom!

It has been wonderful to see such creativity, teamwork and curiosity from everyone throughout the term.

From Mrs Garratt and Mrs Nealand

Rugby League Tag Gala Day

Yesterday, our Year 4 and 5 students proudly represented our college at the Rugby League Tag Gala Day in Cooroy. The enthusiasm, effort, and skill shown by every student were outstanding, alongside excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day.

For many of our students, this was their first opportunity to play a version of Rugby League or participate in an organised team sport, which made their achievements even more special. We are incredibly proud of the way they embraced the challenge and represented our college so positively.

A special mention goes to our female players; Rheese, Amayah, and Kayla, who displayed outstanding teamwork and were excellent sportswomen. Well done, girls!

A big thank you to Mrs Garratt for coaching and guiding the Year 5 boys throughout the day, we truly appreciate your support and commitment.

Mr Hicks

Kindy Vacancies

Housekeeping

School Administration Housekeeping.

  • The email address to use for all correspondence relating to student absences is absentees@pbc.qld.edu.au. You can also lodge an absence via the form on the website located here.
  • Correspondence from the College will generally be sent out from admin@pbc.qld.edu.au.  Please add admin@pbc.qld.edu.au to your address books so that our emails to you don’t go to your junk email folder.
    You can also lodge an absence via the form on the website located here.
  • Don’t forget to order canteen through the My School Connect app – orders are to be placed no later than 8.30 am, alternatively feel free to visit our canteen to order with our staff.
  • When signing students in late or signing them out early please ensure to put a reason in the text box for College records.
  • Please ensure students are in their correct uniform, we are going to be checking to make sure that the uniform policy guidelines are being followed, this includes correct footwear with formal uniforms.