Sunshine Beach State High School

As an educational institution, we have developed an organisational environment and an educational culture that is designed to clearly identify and support each individual student’s needs. The personnel at Sunshine Beach SHS are committed to this educational philosophy whilst aiming to meet the following major goals for students:

• developing attitudes, skills and a base of knowledge as a foundation for the encouragement of critical thinking, imaginative and creative powers, effective communication and the capacity and desire to become independent lifelong learners;
• developing and extending their personal character and individual talents;
• developing a strong sense of community service, effective leadership and loyalty to others;
• developing within each of them a sense of worth and respect for themselves and others in a diverse world.

Further, our school recognises the need to support the personal and social development of our students. We embrace the concept that education is a shared responsibility between school and home and as such we seek to promote this productive partnership. We aim to create:

• a broad and balanced curriculum in which students are challenged to achieve to their highest level;
• a highly competent, skilled and qualified professional staff who are committed to Sunshine Beach State High School’s mission statement;
• a learning culture which is disciplined, inclusive and supportive;
• a broad programme of cultural, intellectual, physical and aesthetic activities;
• a sporting platform where students are encouraged to strive vigorously for success, whilst embracing the virtues of honesty and integrity.

As an educational organisation, we have created frameworks to support “Quality In All We Do”. Our framework aims to embrace:

This year we will continue to work on a number of key agendas to enhance individual student learning outcomes. We will aim to better prepare our students for the dynamic world in which they will learn and work. At the cornerstone to this will be students’ ability to embrace and “own” their learning by being:

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support of the community, parents, students and staff for their efforts in creating such a positive learning community. I look forward to adding value to the educational and relational leadership of our school. I will work hard to generate support for students, staff and parents as we work together to create the “next” phase of Sunshine Beach State High School’s journey. I look forward to working with you and for you throughout this coming year.

I have set the bar high in terms of my expectations on attendance, participation, uniform and behaviour. I challenge each and every one of our students to:

• transition into our school with enthusiasm and commitment;
• take on leadership and/or mentor roles within our student body; and
• make the best contribution they possibly can to our school community.

I challenge our Year 9 students, as they enter the final year of the middle phase of learning, to:

• explore the possibilities and curriculum options available to you;
• embrace difficult challenges as opportunities to grow and develop; and
• think seriously about what in which career options you are interested.

• foster a genuine sense of belonging for the young people in our care;
• persistently explore strategies and ideas on how our teachers, students and parents can address individual students learning gaps as identified in their reports and NAPLAN results;
• deliver a vibrant curriculum with in the QCAR framework, National Curriculum expectations and Year 10 Guidelines; and
• continue to excite our school community about learning.

In my new role, I have begun working with the Student Services team to continue to grow our wonderful Support and Alternative Program service. I am delighted to be involved with our dedicated Learning Enhancement team and to continue developing both our literacy/numeracy support structure and the extension activities offered to our gifted and talented students.

• people
• passion
• purpose
• performance

School communities are partnerships between people - teachers, students and parents. The quality of these relationships is dependant on honest and open communication. The "FISH" philosophy of Play, Be There, Make Someone's Day and Choosing Your Attitude are practical examples of the behaviours I will model.

• to provide structures and processes to support Middle Phase of Learning at Sunshine Beach State High School
• not only to provide excellent physical resources (classrooms) but to provide a rich, relevant and real curriculum that connects students
• to refocus literacy and numeracy through timetabling structures (NAPLAN, QCAR)
• to enhance digital pedagogy for 21st century learners
• developing a teaching charter for the Middle Phase of Learning, ensuring ownership, commitment and "professional communities".

Contact Details

Business Services Manager - Karen Gillespie