Principal's Report 

VCE Results – Celebrating the Class of 2025

I am pleased to share that this year’s VCE results represent our strongest set of outcomes to date. A remarkable 13.2% of students achieved an ATAR above 90 (16 students in total), including three of the highest ATARs recorded in the history of our college: 99.1, 98.7 and 98.5. In addition, 41.3% of the cohort achieved an ATAR above 80 and 62% achieved above 70.

Our median ATAR of 75.25, median study score of 30 and 53 study scores above 40 reflect the dedication, consistency and academic growth demonstrated by this cohort. We also acknowledge and congratulate our VCE Vocational Major students, who have successfully completed their certificates and are now preparing for the next stage of their pathways.

While these results are a significant achievement, what we are most proud of is the way our students have embodied The Beaumaris Way. Throughout their final year, they demonstrated Curiosity, Optimism, Respect and Excellence — qualities that will serve them well beyond their time at Beaumaris Secondary College.

On behalf of our staff and community, congratulations to the Class of 2025. We wish each student every success as they take their next steps beyond our college.

2025 Performance Data

Our School Improvement Team recently met to review and analyse the 2025 School Performance Report as part of our planning for the 2026 Annual Implementation Plan. The report highlights strong outcomes across the school, with Beaumaris Secondary College maintaining a High level in Learning Performance and improving to a High level in Wellbeing Performance.

Our Attitudes to School Survey data also shows exceptionally positive results. In every category, our students recorded higher positive endorsement than the State, Network Schools and Like Schools. While we are proud of these achievements, we remain firmly committed to continual improvement and are using this data to identify next steps and develop targeted strategies for 2026.

BE Program

Over the past fortnight, our students have completed the BE Program, which marks the beginning of our new academic year. It has been a purposeful and energising start, with students stepping into new learning teams, meeting new teachers and engaging with new challenges.

Through this program, our students moved confidently into their 2026 year levels. Our Year 7s became Year 8s, our Year 8s became Year 9s, and so on through to our new Year 12 cohort, who have now stepped into their role as senior leaders of our school. The BE Program once again provided a strong launchpad for the year ahead and set a positive tone for learning, growth and connection.

At our BE Program Assembly, I asked our students to consider the power of words. Words shape how we think, how we lead and how we treat one another. As our College Captain candidates shared their speeches, we were reminded that true leadership is defined not by what we say, but by what we do. Words gain meaning only when they are backed by action, integrity and courage.

I also shared three words with our students that I believe capture the mindset we want to take into 2026:

Lucky. Privilege. Gratitude.

I am often told how “lucky” I am to lead this school, but I do not believe luck tells the full story. I am privileged — privileged to work alongside passionate, intelligent and kind young people; privileged to collaborate with expert teachers; and privileged to be part of a community that cares deeply about our success. And I believe our students are privileged too. Recognising our experiences as privilege rather than luck encourages us to develop gratitude — and gratitude is powerful. It helps us appreciate opportunities, lift others up and approach each day with purpose and generosity.

As we look toward 2026, I encourage every student to carry this mindset with them: recognise your privilege, practise gratitude often, and embrace learning with curiosity, optimism, respect and excellence.

Our 2026 College Captains

It is my pleasure to share that our College Captains for 2026 are Imogen Lonnie and Judah Searle. Both students have demonstrated maturity, initiative and a strong commitment to our school values. We congratulate Imogen and Judah on their appointments and look forward to the leadership they will provide in the year ahead as they contribute to the continued growth of the college.

Choosing to stand for College Captain is a unique and memorable experience and a powerful reminder of the privilege we have in working with such extraordinary young adults. We applaud and thank all of the students who answered the call to leadership this year. They are leaders already, because they choose to step forward and embrace the opportunity for personal and leadership growth.

Thank you to Chris Ardi and Maddy Hunter-Smith for their wonderful work in coordinating our Student Leadership program.

Kokoda 2025

Our Kokoda team has experienced an extraordinary journey on the track, navigating long days, steep climbs, heavy rain, deep mud and more than a few river crossings. From emotional services at Isurava and Brigade Hill to heartfelt welcomes in Kagi, the group embraced every challenge with resilience, kindness and deep respect for the history beneath their feet.

They quickly settled into the rhythm of trekking life, making excellent time and supporting one another through tough terrain, long climbs over Ioribaiwa and Imita Ridges, and the heat of the Maguli Range. A well-earned rest day at Ofi Creek helped refresh tired legs ahead of the final push.

All 26 trekkers crossed under the arches at Owers Corner, completing the full 96km Kokoda Track. We are incredibly proud of the determination, teamwork and spirit shown by our students and staff, and grateful to our families for entrusting us with this remarkable journey.

We extend a huge thank you to Peter Bartlett, Lena Bartle-Smith, Tristan Ross-Brewin and No Roads Expeditions for their support and guidance of our students throughout this epic trek and during the months of preparation.

Presentation Evening

Congratulations to our 2025 awardees, who were honoured at our annual Presentation Evening on Thursday 4 December. It was a wonderful celebration of another fabulous year at BSC, and we were delighted to showcase not only the students who received awards but also the talents of the students who performed throughout the evening. 

This year, we were especially proud to formally name our Belong, Believe and Become Awards in honour of three individuals whose influence and legacy continue to shape our school community. 

The Holly Morton-Bowles Belong Award - Named in honour of former student Holly Bowles, this award recognises kindness, connection and the ability to foster a strong sense of belonging. 

The Steve Pearce Believe Award - Named for our Foundation School President, Steve Pearce, whose unwavering belief in the need for a local secondary school inspired years of advocacy and community campaigning. His persistence, optimism and commitment helped turn that vision into the thriving college we have today. 

The Debby Chaves Become Award - Honouring our foundation principal, Debby Chaves, whose leadership and vision laid the foundations for the college we know today, this award celebrates personal excellence and the drive to become one’s best self. 

I would like to sincerely thank Sean Leith and the team for their outstanding organisation of this event. Please see the Presentation Evening page of this newsletter for further details.

High Abilities Wider Knowledge Program

Our High Abilities Wider Knowledge (HAWK) students have had a remarkable end to the semester. Last week they confidently presented their independent research projects, demonstrating depth of understanding, thoughtful inquiry and impressive maturity. It was a pleasure to welcome parents to share in this celebration of student learning.

The week prior, our Year 9 and 10 HAWK students took part in a Roundtable with Brad Rowswell MP as part of their investigations into key youth issues. This opportunity allowed students to explore ideas around advocacy, community engagement and decision-making, and they gained valuable insights from the discussion.

A special thank you to Melissa Casley for her leadership of the HAWK program and for the dedication, care and expertise she brings to supporting our high-ability learners. Her work continues to enrich the experiences of our students and strengthen this important program.

Year 7 2026 Orientation Day

This week we welcomed our incoming Year 7 cohort for their 2026 Orientation Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for our 147 new students to meet their peers, explore the college and gain confidence ahead of next year. Thank you to Deb Kirk for her exceptional organisation and commitment to ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for our newest students.

Micro-credentials Week

Our students have embraced Micro-Credentials Week (Monday 8 to Wednesday 17 December) with enthusiasm, engaging in new experiences that broaden their skills and open fresh pathways for learning. Thank you to Maddy Hunter-Smith for her excellent work in co-ordinating this valuable program.

French Exchange Trip

Our Year 10 and Year 11 French students departed on Monday for their much-anticipated French Exchange, returning on Tuesday 23 December. This immersive experience will provide students with valuable cultural and language-learning opportunities as they explore key regions, connect with local communities and deepen their understanding of French language and culture. We wish the group a safe, enriching and memorable journey.

Parents' Association Meeting

Last week our Parents’ Association gathered to begin planning an exciting calendar of social events for 2026. The team is exploring a range of opportunities to bring families together, strengthen connections and continue building our vibrant school community. Further details will be shared early in 2026.

Community Support and Giving

Thank you to everyone who generously contributed to our Food For Families Drive. Your donations will provide much-needed support to families experiencing food insecurity, and we are grateful for the kindness and community spirit shown across our school.

I am also pleased to share that, through the generosity of our families, the college has been able to donate $11,000 to State Schools’ Relief from 2025 family contributions. This support directly assists students across Victoria to access essential uniform items and resources, and reflects the strength of our community’s commitment to ensuring that every young person has what they need to thrive.

As we reach the end of the school year, it is an opportunity to pause and recognise the many moments, achievements and shared experiences that have shaped 2025 at Beaumaris Secondary College. Our students have embraced every challenge and opportunity with determination and creativity, contributing to a school culture that is vibrant, supportive and aspirational. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, across sporting fields or through service to others, their efforts have reflected the very best of our learning community.

None of this happens by chance. I would like to thank our exceptional staff for the care, expertise and commitment they bring to their work each day, and to acknowledge the steady support of our parents and the Parents' Association in strengthening the partnership between home and school. I am also grateful to our School Council for their thoughtful leadership and their dedication to the continued growth of our college.

To our families, staff and wider community — thank you for your support throughout the year. Your commitment continues to make Beaumaris Secondary College an extraordinary place to learn and thrive. Next Friday, 19 December, marks our final day of Term 4. I wish you all a safe, restful and joyful holiday season, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.

Stephen Bourbon

Principal