Principal's Update

End of Year Message

On the end of another significant year, I let us reflect upon the successes that we have achieved and some important changes we undertook this year. I thank all staff who were involved in the process and this really felt like a continuous part of our college progression. Our community has continued to be supportive and adaptive, while our staff have come together in innovative and creative ways. I have been impressed with the dedication of parents and of the wider community to this school. It is evident that Bayside P–12 College is a special and exceptional school in the Hobsons Bay area. Our students have identified that they are connected to the college.

We have an established community of families who come together to support the students and the school in learning, activities and events. I hope that as we come to the end of the year all of us feel proud of this great school and the work that has been achieved so far.

I was particularly impressed during our Grade 6 graduation where one of our students emphasised in their presentation that not only had the family all turned up to the graduation but relatives from interstate and overseas were also present. I was also impressed with our inaugural tennis graduation ceremony which was really exciting to see how the college-based program has grown from a handful of students to over thirty.

Each year we also provide graduation assemblies to each of our secondary cohorts as they finish up for the year. In particular, our Year 12 cohort of 2025 held their final formal farewell at their Valedictory Dinner (see pictures in Paisley Camps News). It was an opportunity to thank our Year 12 community and wish them the very best of luck as they move on to their future prospects. Their VCE results are in, and many would be receiving their scores and planning their next opportunities. We wish the VM students all the best on their future pathways and hope the best for them.

At the same time, we have begun welcoming our new Prep and Year 7 students and their parents and caregivers for next year during information events and orientation days. The new beginning always brings with it happiness and hope and is always an exciting moment for all of us. The induction process continues early next year to include the students fully into the college before the classroom work begins.

Our LEAP students have had three solid weeks of work completing elements of Unit 3 VCE and should be congratulated for the way in which they have assumed the first sessions in their VCE studies. They recognise the significant advantage that they have in completing the work and in the preparation for approaching next year with full commitment to their studies and ultimately their individual futures.

Holiday homework for VCE subjects has been set, and we are confident that students will enjoy completing these tasks which further prepare them for a productive Year 12.

In the final newsletter of the year, I would like to wish all members of our school community a very happy holiday and a safe and healthy New Year, and we will see you back on 29th January 2026!

Retirements

Two staff members have been a part of the history of Bayside P–12 College from its earliest days and have both been strong pillars within the college over many years. They have worked closely with students and staff in the classroom and have taken up different positions of responsibility. Both have taught many young lives, supported and influenced the journey of students and helped shape their learning. Who knows where their influence stopped? I would like to thank each person and say that the college community is grateful for all that you have done. Congratulations on your careers in education.

• Karen Colasurdo
• Eero Keranen

Farewell To Staff

With the school year almost officially coming to an end for 2025, I want to thank our staff once again for a wonderful effort, patience and time working together with colleagues, students, parents and caregivers. I deeply appreciate the staff members, parents and caregivers who were committed to rolling up their sleeves and finding solutions to the challenges that public education can often bring over the course of the year. Whether figuring out how to bring a struggling student closer to their appropriate level, developing college events that stand us out in the community, working to build awareness, or planning a community event to bring our people together, we have accomplished so much through our willingness to collaborate and lift up our school community.

This all contributed to providing a positive environment for many in our school community. I have found something positive to celebrate each day. Even the challenging moments that inevitably make up the life of a college and its wider community have created important lessons.

For staff who are leaving Bayside P–12 College, I hope that you have gained much more — as educators and as human beings — than when you first came. Please accept my deepest appreciation for the work you have done and warmest wishes for a wonderful opportunity in the next part of your journey. My thank you goes out to:

• Bridget Horton
• Claire Wang
• Greg Buckle
• Janelle Clarke
• Jessica Zhao
• Marisa Corral
• Pamela Ji
• Bruce Hill
• Charmain Heaney
• Keshica Caussy
• Michelle Wohllebe
• Ritika Sharma

I would also like to thank the following staff who will be taking leave from the start of next year. Thank you to the following staff, and I hope you enjoy your break.

• Christine Sun
• Rowan Hill
• Cale Westaway
• Sarah Hardiman