Message from the Principal

Shane Gemmola

Acting Principal

Term 3 is always a particularly dynamic and rewarding time in a school. Across the College, our students have been learning and making the most of the many opportunities available to them, while our staff have been supporting their progress and preparing for the months ahead. From classrooms and assessments to camps, excursions, performances, sporting events and community activities, there has been plenty happening across BSC. As we move toward the Term 4, we look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and finishing the year strongly together.

Teaching & Learning

Senior School 

The latter part of Term 3 has been a significant period for our senior students. Year 12 students have been completing their final school-based assessments, with Unit 3/4 students undertaking practice exams in the final week of term. I had the pleasure of participating in the  Year 12 English oral assessments, and was genuinely impressed by the standard of work on display — a clear reflection of the effort students have been putting in throughout the year.

VCE Vocational Major

Our VCE Vocational Major students have had a particularly active end to the term, completing their Rubicon camp in Week 9. Feedback from students and staff has been very positive, with students engaging in meaningful outdoor and adventure experiences. These students also participated in the Race Around Melbourne in the final week of term and we look forward to the upcoming VCE-Vocational Major showcase events that will celebrate their hard work over the year.

School Review

A School Review Preparation Day was held at the end of term, reflecting the school's continued focus on preparing a strong evidence base for the upcoming review. The review itself is a three-day process taking place next term, and will set the strategic direction and plan for the school over the next four years. We are well prepared and looking forward to the process.

Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Programs

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Week was a highlight of the term. Battle of the Bands ran across three days, with the band Phlora taking out the win with their performance of It Never Rains in California. The Performing Arts Gala was a wonderful showcase of student talent across bands, solo drama, dance and more. Thanks to all staff who supported the week. 

This week, the school also hosted the Year 12 Drama Solo performances — a significant milestone for our senior drama students and a fitting way to close out the term.

Impro Melbourne Theatre Sports Challenge

BSC students competed in both the Intermediate and Senior divisions of the Impro Melbourne Theatre Sports Challenge, with our Senior division taking out a well-deserved win. Special recognition goes to Tom Treasure (Year 7), who received the judges' award for Most Supportive Player, and Jonah Santo (Year 12), who won Best Physical Offer. Thank you to Tim Roach for his work in organising and supporting students in this competition.

Interschool Sport

Sport has been a significant feature of the term, with strong representation across a wide range of competitions:

• Senior Boys Hockey — State Champions. A tremendous achievement and a genuine highlight of the term. Thank you to Tayler Roberts and Jarrod Warmington for their outstanding support of the team.
• Senior Girls Soccer competed in the State Final.
• Senior Girls Soccer won the Regional Final earlier in the term.
• Intermediate Sport saw teams competing across Basketball, Hockey, Ultimate Frisbee and Table Tennis.
• Year 7 Boys Netball and Year 8 Boys Soccer competed at Regional level.
• Senior Girls Table Tennis, Senior Boys AFL and various other teams represented the school throughout the term.
• A particular thank you to Jarrod Warmington for his significant work in coordinating the interschool sport program across the term.

Chess

The BSC Chess Team competed in the State Finals - a fantastic achievement and a great example of the diverse range of competitive opportunities available to our students.

Outdoor Education — Stirling Alpine Program

Unit 3/4 Outdoor Education students completed the Stirling Alpine Program cross country skiing camp during the term. The program was very well received, with students engaging enthusiastically in the alpine experience. The photos and stories that came back were a real highlight for the whole school community.

Goodtalk International Youth Bilingual Speech Conference

A number of BSC students attended the Goodtalk International Youth Bilingual Speech Conference at the University of Melbourne, representing the school in a prestigious bilingual speaking competition.

BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge

High Ability Program students presented at the BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge Presentation, showcasing their work to a wider audience.

Community Engagement

Parent Student Teacher Conferences

Two days of Parent Student Teacher Conferences were held across the latter half of the term, with strong family engagement across both days. Teachers reported a high quality of conversation, with meaningful discussions around student progress, areas for celebration and opportunities for further support.

The Next Chapter' Literary Event

A highlight of the final weeks of term was the Library Fund literary event, The Next Chapter, held on Thursday 3 September. The event brought together community donors and supporters to celebrate the ongoing development of the BSC library. Authors Shaun Tan, Sally Rippin and Brendan James Murray spoke compellingly about the importance of libraries and reading, with BSC's own Shalini Akhil moderating the evening with great skill and warmth. The event was well attended and received very positively by all who came.

Looking Ahead — Term 4

• School Review — a three-day process to set the school's strategic plan for the next four years

• Continued senior school assessment and examination preparation

• Pathways planning and subject selection finalisation for 2027

• Twilight Market - November 27 - save the date!

• Italy Study Tour (November–December 2026)

We wish all members of our school community a safe and happy holiday break,  and we look forward to seeing you all in Term 4!