Secondary School

Head of Secondary

Celebrating Our Year 12 Students

As our Year 12 students reached their final days of school this week, we paused to celebrate all that this milestone represents. It’s more than just the end of lessons, assessments, and uniforms — it’s the closing of a chapter filled with growth, discovery, and shared experiences that have helped shape who they are today.

From their first nervous steps into Bayside to the confident young adults we see now, our students have travelled an incredible journey. Along the way, they’ve tackled challenges with determination, supported one another through stressful times, and laughed together through countless memories — from camps and assemblies to group projects and lunchtime conversations. These moments have built friendships that, for many, will last a lifetime.

None of this journey happens in isolation. The dedication of our teachers has played a vital role — guiding, encouraging, and challenging students to reach their potential. Teachers have not only taught lessons in the classroom but have also been mentors, listening ears, and role models. And behind every student stands the unwavering love and sacrifice of parents and families — providing lifts to school, making lunches, celebrating achievements, and offering reassurance when things feel overwhelming. Their support has been a quiet but powerful foundation throughout these years.

As our graduating ‘Class of 2025’ prepares to step into their next chapter — whether that’s further study, work, a gap year, or something still unfolding — they may not have all the answers, and that’s perfectly okay. The next season is one of possibility and discovery. In every unknown, God remains faithful. He is already at work, preparing the path ahead, guiding each step, and providing wisdom and peace for the journey.

So, as we celebrate this special milestone, we do so with gratitude for all that has been and great anticipation for all that is to come. May our Year 12 students step forward with courage, knowing they are deeply loved, wonderfully equipped, and never alone.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Mr James Kumnick, Head of Secondary

Staff vs Year 12 Basketball – A Historic Upset!

It’s official, the students have finally done it! For the first time in living memory (and possibly ever), the Year 12s defeated the staff in the annual Staff vs Students Basketball Game. The Alumni are currently digging through the archives, possibly involving carbon paper and floppy disks, to see if such an event has ever occurred before.

The staff team came in confident (perhaps too confident), featuring a few familiar faces and some creative interpretations of “defence.”Mr Millikin (Maintenance) was a rock under pressure, one of the few staff members who didn’t turn the ball over. A rare honour.Mrs Partridge showed excellent positioning and court awareness, though her brother Mr P seemed more focused on padding his own stats. Sure, he hit the odd three-pointer… but 2 from 9? Let’s just say selective memory will likely come in handy.Mr Kanadi exploded out of the blocks early, collecting steals and breaking ankles like it was recess duty.Mr Mason locked down the paint, proving that while the Year 12s may jump higher, no one can block space like an NFL safety.

But in the end, the Year 12s were simply too good. Hendo, Ollie D, and Hughesy played with class, composure, and teamwork that left Mr Beismann wondering if this was basketball or a live demonstration of Newton’s laws of motion.

It was a dominant display and a well-deserved victory. Hard work, daily practice, and teamwork paid off in style. Hopefully, those same habits will carry the Year 12s through their upcoming exams and beyond.

Congratulations, Year 12s, you’ve made history (and possibly a few staff a little sore).

Junior Secondary Food Technology

So far this term the Years 9/10 Food Technology elective classes have worked on their Asian cooking although today was the sweet food Baklava. The Year 7's enjoyed their session cooking beef tacos with some awesome Mexican music. The Year 8's are cooking Chicken Curry this week after producing a wonderful dish last week of Apple and Cinnamon rolls.

Mr Steven Reid, Secondary Teacher

North Campus Food Tucker Garden

Our Years 9/10 Agriculture students have done a wonderful job creating a new food tucker garden along the roadside to the Trades Skills Centre. They’ve installed tree guards made by the highly talented Wayne Piening and will hopefully be able to grow some traditional food crops.

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Sheep Shearing and Baby Lambs

We had a very exciting day last week having our flock of sheep sheared and have several baby lambs, which are growing rapidly. Please feel free to come and see our farm animals on the north campus. Thanks to David Goschnick for coordinated the shearing.

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

VCE OES Cathedral Ranges Camp

The intrepid Year 12 VCE OES class attended their final camp to Marysville, Taggerty, Healesville Sanctuary and the Cathedral Ranges. They did a wonderful job creating their own menus and catered for themselves. We camp at the Taggerty Big 4 and had several nearby adventures with lots of walking. 

A massive thank you goes to Toni Steinbergs for attending this camp and all VCE OES camps over the last two and a half years.

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

VM Prep Visit

The Year 11 VM class worked with the Madura Nadarajah’s Prep class to create wonderful dioramas. It was a wonderful experience for the prep and Year 11 students and I’m looking forward to more sessions with Madura’s class. 

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

VM Community Market

Our Year 10, 11 & 12 VM students ran stalls to raise important funds to sponsor Aloi, Marvel and Brayen in Indonesia. Our students connect with the Compassion program and have a clear understanding of why we run our markets. Thanks to Justin Mason, Ulli Austermann and James Siede for helping to run the wonderful Finals Fever market. We are looking to the Christmas market for this year. 

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Year 11 & 12 VM Showcase

The Year 11 & 12 VM classes ran a Showcase event for their parents and teachers to highlight the things they’ve done this year. They ran activities with our plastic recycling facility and interacted with the goats and alpacas. The Year 12 class catered for the event with their amazing Food for Life teacher, Nas Varghese. James Siede, Ulli Austermann and Justin Mason all did a wonderful job helping to run this event.

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator 

Bayside Character Awards

The Bayside Character Awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate the key values of the Bayside Way. These teacher-nominated awards celebrate students who exemplify one of the four core values in their everyday actions and attitude.

Each year level will have award recipients for each aspect of the Bayside Way.

Respect: For demonstrating respect through the way they engage with peers, teachers, and the school environment.

Responsibility: For demonstrating responsibility by being prepared, reliable, and accountable as a member of the school community.

Maximising Learning: For demonstrating a strong commitment to learning through consistent effort, curiosity, and a positive attitude.

Kindness: For demonstrating kindness by showing care, empathy, and a willingness to help others.

Year 7

Respect - Izaak Van Der Noord

Responsibility - Mia Greenman

Maximising Learning - Ethan Coleman

Kindness - Reese Caneva and Max Turner

Year 8

Respect - Erica Maxwell

Responsibility - Grace Archibold (not pictured) 

Maximising Learning - Lucas Swales and Phoebe Ward

Kindness - Tamsyn Mason

Year 9

Respect - Danny Baker

Responsibility - Emily Buchanan

Maximising Learning - Isaac Kidney and Ee Yang Chia

Upcoming Dates