Acting Principal's Report

Remembrance Day

Our student leaders did a wonderful job representing the college at the Beaumaris RSL Remembrance Day service on Monday, with special mention to Year 11 History student, Jake D, who delivered a heartfelt tribute to our fallen heroes (video and transcript below). His message resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, and many expressed their appreciation, with more than one remarking that, with students like ours, 'the future is in good hands.'

A Remembrance Day service was also conducted at the college, featuring a heartfelt poem reading by Pearl B (Year 11) and the observance of a minute’s silence. Thank you to our student leaders and everyone involved in making this commemoration meaningful for our school community.

Good morning, my name is Jake Darker, and I am a current Year 11 at Beaumaris Secondary College. When I was asked to speak here today, I was excited but more anxious as today came closer. However, these nerves pale in comparison to those felt by the men and women who fought for our country.

Remembrance Day is a day to honour those who have died and suffered in wars, conflicts, and peace operations.

But what does Remembrance Day mean for me? To me, it is a day where Australians come together to remember these men and women who gave their lives and time for strangers, their country and the future generations - like me - to have the ability to live a long, safe and free life, and to have the ability to do as they wish with their lives and to live it to the fullest.

Since I was young, my parents have stressed the importance of today and ANZAC day as I have ancestors who fought in both the First and Second World Wars. Additionally, my dad studied Australian History when he was my age and my mum, whose grandfather, my great grandfather, was a prisoner of war in World War II.

James Draper, my great grandfather whose medals I am wearing today, was born on the 14th of November 1911. He was enlisted in 1941 at the age of 30 and was a truck driver. James was reported missing on the 31st of March 1942 after the fall of Singapore, and it wasn’t until a year later on the 15th of May 1943 he was declared a prisoner of war in Thailand and worked on the Burma-Thailand railway. James was a prisoner until the war ended, he was dispatched in 1945.

During his time in the camps, James met Leslie Baird, who kept scrappy notes during his imprisonment, hidden in the false bottom of his water bottle. Years later he pieced together these scraps into a very readable diary, a copy of which is available in the Research Centre of the Australian War Memorial.

I would like to read sections of this diary today containing my Great Grandfather James.

In November of 1942 Les writes of him and James hiding in the Jungle to have a bludge, and that for Jims’s birthdays they nicked off from work and had eggs on toast from the money James got for selling his watch.

In May of 1943 James and Les were picked to go driving trucks, there were not enough trucks, so Jim and Les decided to help in the kitchen getting firewood, yet all they wanted to do was go for a swim. They and five others shifted into another hut of their own, they were happy as there were no bugs, good food, plenty of meat and pig. They also pinched a 4-gallon tin of cooking oil.

On the 18th of August 1945 they were on parade and were told that the war was over. And a month later they were at Kashu Mountain waiting to be flown back home to Australia to see their families.

James and Leslie weren’t always together, as they were moved around throughout the years, however, when they were together, without fail, their friendship overpowered the hardships.

It is the mateship and bravery of these men and the men who fought for what we see today that means so much to me. I never met James, but I feel extremely close with him as I stand before you today wearing his medals and telling his story. A story that I will cherish and pass down. As I go forward with life, I try to do so with generosity, bravery, kindness, and mateship that Australians are known for around the world.

Thank you

Jake D

Innovate & PBL Expo

The Innovate and PBL Expo showcased the excellent learning and products our students have developed over the course of the year. We were delighted that so many parents and family members came along to support the students - be sure to check out the video and photos on the Innovate & PBL Expo page of this newsletter. Many thanks to Deb Kirk, Steve Seddon and the team for organising this event.

Exams & VCE VM Portfolio Presentations

Our VCE students have demonstrated an impressive calmness and commitment during exams, which are still in progress. Our Year 10 & 11 students will sit their exams from Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 November. These exams are valuable for developing effective study strategies in preparation for the upcoming year. Special thanks to Hanna Drakos and Sarah Keating for supporting the smooth running of exams.

Congratulations to our VCE Vocational Major students who have presented comprehensive portfolios showcasing a culmination of their year of learning at school, the workplace and TAFE.

BSC Market Day

Yesterday, the second group of Year 9 Beyond students hosted their Market Day at lunchtime, showcasing a variety of stalls, treats and challenges for students from all year levels to enjoy. The event was once again a resounding success, raising funds for charities and non-profits chosen by the students and giving them valuable insights into different social enterprises. Thank you to the Year 9 teaching team for their guidance and support in making this event possible.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports were made available to all families on Friday 8 November, allowing students to reflect on their progress and set goals for the remainder of the semester. We encourage all parents and carers to review these reports carefully and engage in constructive discussions with your child and their teachers. Your involvement plays a pivotal role in supporting your child's academic success.

Student Feedback on Attitudes to School Survey Data

We are currently engaging students in discussions around the Attitudes to School Survey data, giving them a valuable opportunity to share their thoughts and feedback on their school experience. This process is part of our commitment to ensuring that student voices are heard and valued, helping us to continue fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Reminders

The afterschool Home Learning Support Club runs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:15-4:15pm in B13. Students can attend for help with home learning tasks or to study in a quiet space. No sign-up required.
Current Year 8 families are required to submit their 2025 Year 9 'Choose Your Own Adventure' PROGRAM PREFERENCE FORM by 9pm on Monday 18 November. If students do not nominate their preferences, they will be allocated to an activity based on availability. More information, along with a recording of the Red Earth Parent Information Evening, can be found on the Year 9 Camps 2025 page of this newsletter.
2025 Student Leadership nominations are due by 4pm on Thursday 21 November (form available on Teams). Please note that applications must be handwritten and uploaded to the Microsoft form. Application forms are available from reception or Ms Hunter-Smith's office.
Friday 6 December is a Professional Practice Day. Students are not required at school on this day. There are no scheduled classes or supervision.
Food For Families donations can be delivered to Reception until Friday 13 December.

Upcoming Events

BE Program – Monday 25 November – Thursday 5 December
Odd Socks Day - Wednesday 27 November
Ensembles Concert – Tuesday 26 November
Presentation Evening – Thursday 5 December
Micro-Credentials Program – Monday 9 December – Wednesday 18 December
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day – Tuesday 10 December
Last day of Term 4 – Friday 20 December

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community.

Peter Bartlett

Acting Principal