Student Stories, Achievements & Community News

Student Stories & Achievements

Congratulations

To Year 8 students, Kristian and Lucian who competed in the BaySpeak Public Speaking Competition, acheiving outstanding results with a Win and Runner Up, resepctively! 

“Taking part in the BaySpeak Public Speaking Competition was an amazing experience that I am proud of. In the first heat, I came first and my friend Lucian came second, which was a great result for both of us. We also did optional impromptu speeches, which were challenging because we had to speak without any preparation and think on the spot. I then went on to the BaySpeak final, where I again came first and Lucian was runner-up. I also received a $400 prize, which made the win even more exciting. Overall, the experience helped me become a more confident speaker and showed me the importance of practice and staying calm under pressure.” Kristian (Winner) 

 

“Competing in the BaySpeak Grand Final was a great experience and an opportunity to develop my Public Speaking skills. My prepared speech focused on the importance of being present in real life and not allowing notifications and technology to constantly distract us. I also was involved in an impromptu section, which challenged me to think quickly, organise my ideas under pressure, and speak confidently without preparation. I was honoured to finish as the runner-up in the Grand Final and appreciated the chance to hear a range of inspiring speeches from other students. The experience greatly improved my confidence and ability to communicate effectively in a variety of speaking situations.” Lucian (Runner Up)

To our 2026 STEM Racing State Finalists, teams Apex Elite (Year 8 - Bentleigh East), Ascension (Year 9 - Bentleigh East), Omega Racing (Year 7 - Mentone) and Vitality (Years 8, 9 & 11 - Mentone). These teams will be competing this October against the best in Victoria for a place in the National Finals next year. 

We extend our gratitude to all students who applied to the STEM Racing program. Applicants participated in judging interviews to assist in selecting our teams for the State Finals, and our judging panels were thoroughly impressed with the standard of work from all teams. Good luck to our selected teams as they now complete their preparations for the State Finals.

To Ben (Year 8) who is performing in The Secret Garden for Beaumaris Theatre Inc this August. Ben plays Colin, a major character in the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and adapted for the stage.

"Performing in The Secret Garden has been such a fun experience. I’ve loved getting to play Colin and work with such a talented and supportive cast, it’s definitely helped me grow as a performer. It's been great being a part of this production and so much fun bringing this story to life! Being involved in Vocal Ensemble, Drum Line and debating at St Bede’s College has also built my confidence, both on and off the stage, and I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had this year."

This is Ben's third production with Beaumaris Theatre Inc, and  he has also performed in The Addams Family and 42nd Street for Kilbreda College. Bravo Ben!

Student Stories

Marcus, Senior Ecological Leader 

Year 12 Environmental Science Excursion with the City of Kingston

"Our excursion to The Grange Heathland Reserve was an extremely enjoyable and educational experience, providing a hands on opportunity to apply key ecological concepts as we shifted from textbook theory to real world environmental management. Throughout the day, we assessed the site's viability as a potential new home for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. 

Using soil testing kits and quadrat sampling, we directly analysed the various impacts of urban nutrient runoff and identified critical vulnerabilities in the surrounding predator fencing. We also explored how the reserve's history as native territory for the closely related Southern Brown Bandicoot introduces complex factors for future translocations. The excursion was very successful in combining data collection with active learning.

Finally, finishing the day with a few minutes where we got to learn and enjoy some time standing directly within the exact area of Australia’s biggest mass UFO sighting from April 6, 1966, where we took a class photo on board the modern recreation!

It was an engaging and dynamic day out that highlighted the huge range of factors involved in species translocation, making our follow up nutrient testing lessons in class so much more meaningful."  

In Memoriam

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones. 

May God's love be a comfort to you at this time. 

Eunice Pender (former staff), who passed on 10 July 2026. Mother to Brendan (Old Collegian)and Colleen, grandmother to Aengus, Eoin, Seamus and Niamh. Our colleague Wendy Grogan shares fond memories of Eunice. 

Eunice started working at St James in 1986 and retired in 2007. Eunice was the cornerstone of the school and staff room. She was beloved, respected and valued by everyone (students, parents and colleagues). She mentored and embraced the young staff and made sure that they were supported and encouraged.

Eunice inspired us all to be better people. She led with wisdom, compassion, humour and an unwavering belief in those around her.

She loved her two children fiercely. Brendan and Colleen (Both students of St Bede’s and Kilbreda). She was a Nan to 4 Grandchildren, Aengus, Eoin, Seamus and Niamh.

She worked tirelessly in education her whole life. First as a Nun (I think as a Sister of St Joseph), then in Primary Schools before starting at St James. Even after her retirement she continued to tutor and work with young people out of school.

Des Heatley, father of Shane (staff) and father in law of Julie (staff). Des passed away peacefully on 27 July. 

Tony Beale, father of Dominic (former staff), grandfather to Dom's son Julian. Tony passed away aged 61, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.