Secondary

Head of Secondary

God Leads Us Through Uncertainty

Recently I led a devotion for the Secondary staff about God’s promise to lead us through times of uncertainty when life feels unclear and we’re struggling to see the way, find a way out, land on a solution, or waiting for an answer. Below is an excerpt of what I shared that has been adapted to include more of a focus for Secondary students.

Life at school doesn’t always go the way we expect. There are seasons when the future feels blurry, decisions are overwhelming, and we don’t know what step to take next. As students, maybe you’re feeling that right now—uncertain about school, your friendships, or the future.

The good news is: God doesn’t leave us to figure it all out on our own. He promises to lead us, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

What the Bible Says

• Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God isn’t asking us to have all the answers—He’s asking us to trust Him.
• Isaiah 42:16 says: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known… I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.” Even when life feels confusing, God promises to guide us step by step.
• Psalm 32:8 says: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God’s leadership is personal. He isn’t far away—He watches over us like a loving Father.

Trusting God When School Life Feels Unclear

When we’re uncertain, it’s tempting to rely on our own plans or what others think. But the Bible calls us to trust instead of control.

Proverbs reminds us not to lean on our own understanding—hard advice when we want everything mapped out! Isaiah paints the picture of God leading the blind along unfamiliar paths. We might not know where we’re going, but we know Who is with us. And Psalm 32 reassures us that God’s guidance is loving and close.

So, when school life feels uncertain it’s important to take some time to ‘pause’. Don’t rush and make a rash decision that you might regret. Pray and seek guidance from our heavenly Father. Wait, be still and listen. Trust that God is leading you, even if you can’t see the whole road.

A Prayer for Students

Father God, thank You for being our guide when school life feels uncertain. Help us to trust You with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. Thank You for watching over us and leading us step by step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God bless,

Mr James Kumnick, Head of Secondary

Kwong Lee Dow Young Award

Congratulations to Jayda Ryall for being selected for The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program. This will give Jayda the chance to experience a taste of student life at the University of Melbourne first-hand, as well as the opportunity to build strong peer networks that will support her throughout her final years of secondary school and during her transition to university.

Mr Chris Alley, Years 10-12 Coordinator

Term 2 Community Market

The Year 10, 11 & 12 VM students raised over $500 for Compassion through their stalls at the last community market. This money helps cover sponsorship for Aloi, Brayen and Marvel and it is transforming their families through the Compassion program. Anton, Krisna and Riri have already graduated this Christ cantered program. A huge thank you goes to Ulli Austermann, James Siede and Justin Mason for helping bring the market together.

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Youth Alive at Bayside!

On the 5th of August, we had the privilege of welcoming Youth Alive into our school, bringing a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere to our secondary assembly.

The team led us in a fun game, some energetic dancing, and followed it with an inspiring message of hope. Our students eagerly participated—laughing, dancing, and, when it came time to listen, demonstrating the Bayside Way with great respect and attentiveness.

While Youth Alive did not lead a time of praise or worship, they provided our students with the opportunity to express themselves through dance and, most importantly, created space for those who wished to make a faith commitment. We were deeply moved as 12 young people boldly raised their hands to say, “I want to follow Jesus” - a truly special moment for both our school community and these individual students.

To the parents and carers who attended, thank you for showing your support. We look forward to seeing you at our next Whole School Assembly.

Mr Josh Hill, College Chaplain

Year 12 Jackets

Orders close - Friday 5 September 2025

It is our custom to permit students in Year 12 to wear a Bayside “Bomber” Jacket during non-formal occasions in their final year.  

Jackets can be purchased through the “Reform Clothing” website.  Link to the Bayside order is https://www.reformclothing.com/au/order/11830213282

Each jacket is custom made so it is important to check the size guide prior to ordering.  (see Reform Clothing’s T&Cs on their website).  Some sample sizes are available for you to try on.  These are available in North Reception during recess and lunchtime until Friday 15 August.

Celebrating Character at the Junior Secondary Assembly

At this term’s first Junior Secondary Assembly, our school proudly recognised a group of students who embody the Bayside Way’s core values of kindness, respect, responsibility, and maximising learning through the Character Awards. These awards highlight the outstanding efforts of students who consistently demonstrate positive traits, inspire their peers, and contribute to a supportive school community.

This year, recipients were nominated by teachers for their exemplary behaviour, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. From helping classmates with challenging tasks to volunteering for school events, these students have shown what it means to lead by example. The awards ceremony, held in the school's Primary gym, was a joyful celebration, with students enthusiastically applauding those students who received a certificate.

The Character Awards are a way we can let the student know we see their goodness. They also remind us all that small acts of kindness and integrity can create a ripple effect, fostering a stronger, more inclusive school environment. Congratulations to all our awardees for their inspiring contributions!

Mr Jay Johnstone, Years 7-9 Coordinator

Indonesian Day

Years 7, 8, and 9/10 LOTE students took part in an engaging annual Indonesian Day, where they immersed themselves in the rich culture of Indonesia through three interactive sessions. Students learned traditional Indonesian dance, created beautiful art patchworks using Batik fabric, and cooked a delicious national dish, Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice). 

These hands-on experiences provided students with a deeper cultural connection, enriching their understanding of the language they are studying in class and bringing Indonesian culture to life beyond the textbook.

Mrs Chandra Schokman, LOTE Teacher

Secondary Pathways Expo

Global Leadership Summit

Years 9/10 Food Technology

Years 9 and 10 students recently enjoyed an exciting excursion to the Dandenong Market, where they participated in a vibrant Street Food Tour. They had the opportunity to sample a variety of international cuisines, learning about different cultures through their unique flavours. 

After the guided tasting experience, students were given time to explore the market, make their own purchases, and enjoy lunch with friends. The excursion offered a fun and educational experience, giving students the chance to discover a wide range of unique and fresh produce from around the world.

Mrs Laura Klan, Secondary Teacher

Year 9 Service Week: Making a Difference in Our Community

This year’s Year 9 Service Week was a resounding success, showcasing the compassion, teamwork, and dedication of our students. Held from June 30 to July 4, 2025, the annual event saw Year 9 students step out of the normal classroom and into meaningful service projects that left a lasting impact.

A Week of Impactful Service

Service Week is a cornerstone of our school’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility and empathy in our students. Framed around the question, ‘Am I my brother's keeper?’ and running over five days, Year 9 students worked with local organisations, tackling projects that ranged from tree planting, beach cleanups, to engaging with vulnerable community members. The week was designed to encourage students to connect with their community, develop leadership and service skills, and reflect on the importance of giving back.

Key Activities

• Service of the environment: Students partnered with Frankston Bunnings to plant seedlings and shrubs around our College dam. They cleaned out and cleaned up the chicken coops and conducted beach cleanups at Frankston Beach. Their efforts helped create a cleaner and greener space for the college and members of the beach-going pubic.
• Cooking for the Frankston Winter Shelter: A group of students volunteered to cook, sort and pack donations to provide meals for the Frankston Winter Shelter. The week also saw cooking for the Bayside family network and a fundraising pre-order lunch. This saw students serving over 200 community members during the week.
• Senior Centre Visits: Students spent time at Baxter Village, engaging in conversations, playing board games, and singing. These interactions brought joy to residents and fostered intergenerational connections.

• Blessing Bags Initiative: Working with the amazing Blessing Bags organisation, students raised donations across the term. They solicited donations from corporations and local neighbours, including across the college from ELC to VCE. With the daring aim of creating 1000 Blessing Bags, students worked really hard and managed to achieve the incredible goal. 

   

A Community Effort

The success of Service Week would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful Bayside staff, local organisations, the Primary teachers, and parent volunteers who helped coordinate logistics and guide the students. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who made this week possible, including the generous donations of supplies from local businesses.

Looking Ahead

Year 9 Service Week has set a high standard for community engagement, and we’re already excited for next year’s projects. The students’ enthusiasm and commitment have inspired us all, proving that even young people can make a big difference.

For more information about Service Week or to get involved in future initiatives, contact the school office. Let’s continue to build a stronger, more connected community together!

Mr Jay Johnstone, Years 7-9 Coordinator

Winter Shelter and Pantry Plus

Our Year 11 & 12 VM students have worked hard to set up and pack down the Frankston Winter Shelter each Monday and Thursday as a part of their course. We are truly blessed to be able to serve our local community as a part of the VM program. They also weeded the Pantry Plus gardens to help clients to start growing their own herbs and vegetables. 

Year 7 Agriculture

The amazing Ulli Austermann has been working with the Year 7 Agriculture class introducing them to new worlds of plants and animals. The Year 7’s thoroughly enjoyed being able to interact with stick insects and guinea pigs recently and are learning a great deal about how to care for animals as a part of this course.

Year 9 & 10 Agriculture

The Semester 1 Agriculture class finished with some brilliant community service by digging out a massive blackberry bush growing next to the path just outside the South Campus. They worked hard to remove this huge noxious weed. 

They were able to cut back our banana plants for winter and the goats were happy to devour the leaves. We have also welcomed our first baby Alpaca (called a Cria) born on the property and the students love seeing it grow and develop.

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Year 8 Agriculture

In Year 8 Agriculture, we have set out to build brand new garden beds. First, we needed to dismantle the old garden beds and then shovel all of the soil out of the way. The students made tremendous progress and we are now ready to put together the new garden beds and do spring planting in weeks to come. At the same time, the students have also looked after the animals and made sure their enclosures are freshly mulched and clean.

Year 11 Chemistry

In year 11 Chemistry, we have been learning about glassware, rinsing techniques, and accuracy. We also have been learning about dilutions and the different calculations involved. 

We used instant coffee to practice these techniques of utilising pipettes, volumetric flasks, providing some pretty changes in the colours of the solutions involved. It’s fun getting to use all the equipment and develop efficient technique, especially with the impending titration competition around the corner.

Miss Amy Partridge, Secondary Teacher

Skill Day – Literacy Support

Students recently took part in a Skill Day, exploring both practical and problem-solving activities. They learned skills such as folding sports uniforms, golf tee challenges, baiting and casting a fishing rod, boxing basics, making cookies, rice paper rolls, and friendship bracelets. Students also explored history through learning about Anne Frank, and built their critical-thinking skills with a Cluedo-style problem-solving challenge. The day was a fantastic opportunity to practise teamwork, follow instructions, and celebrate new achievements.

Year 12 VM Literacy Workshop

To conclude their Unit 3 studies, Year 12 VM Literacy students presented workshops relating to their interests and occupations. They created lesson plans, risk assessments and information brochures, then taught their teacher and peers a variety of new skills and information. They all did a superb job and we had a great time as a class.

We learnt how to:

• Do a SOAP (Bible study)
• Care for small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs
• Choose and enjoy fruits in season
• Service a car
• Make playdough
• Wash and care for our hair
• Use a variety of weights 
• Plant seedlings
• Use handheld power tools
• Do Muay Thai training moves
• Operate the College Cafe

Mrs Rachelle Cooper, Secondary Teacher

7OES Rock Climbing

Year 7 OES students recently visited Bayside Rock in Carrum Downs, where they thoroughly enjoyed learning climbing techniques and working together in supportive teams, developing confidence, communication skills and a strong sense of teamwork — the students had an amazing time and loved every minute of the experience.

Mr James Siede, Secondary Teacher

SIS Teen Chef

Bayside Shines at the SIS Teen Chef Competition

Bayside recently competed in the SIS Teen Chef Competition, and we would like to extend our congratulations to Mitch, Chris, Zara, and Jayda for plating up some truly wonderful dishes.

The judges from the Australian Culinary Federation were very impressed with the high standard of cooking on display this year. Bayside’s chosen hero ingredient was rhubarb, which featured across both the main and dessert courses.

The boys prepared a grilled pork chop with crispy crackling, served on a bed of braised fennel with seasonal vegetables and a rich jus. The girls wowed the judges with a spiced rhubarb crumb cake, complete with rhubarb candy, rhubarb reduction, and vanilla anglaise.

It was a fantastic experience for our Year 10 students to cook alongside other passionate food students and receive insightful tips and guidance from the chef judges throughout the event.

All four students dedicated themselves to the competition, completing three practice runs and home cooks before the main event. Well done to each of you — your hard work and commitment truly paid off!

SIS Theatre Sports

Junior and Senior teams dressed up, ready to compete in the Inter School Theatre Sports competition. With The Jackson Four (juniors) and the Bayside Bats (seniors), we came ready with much enthusiasm and excitement. 

Both of our teams progressed to the semis and then the grand finals of their divisions. For our Seniors, the competition was slightly too fierce but they put up a great fight. Our juniors were successful and won our first ever cultural shield!

Mr Johnstone and Miss Partridge are really proud of our teams’ efforts; it was an excellent day of fun, laughter, frivolity and creativity. Well done to all of those involved in the workshops and the championships.

On Tuesday the 13th of June, we were privileged to be able to partake in this year's SIS theatre sport competition. The day consisted of our team dressing up as 'The Jackson Four' to perform short improvised performances of whichever theatre game we chose for an audience and a panel of judges. Coming up with a performance on the spot can be quite daunting, but we were all able to have fun with it, thanks to our amazing coach Miss Partridge! Both our junior team and the senior team competed in the grand finale with the senior team placing second and our junior team claiming the win! All in all it was an incredible learning experience and a great day out to do what we love. ~ Ava Harris

SIS Boys Volleyball

During Term Two the intermediate volleyball team competed in the SIS competition. Overall, the team played 5 games, winning four and narrowly losing one game. After all the results were calculated the boys finished on top of the ladder winning this year's pennant. Well done to all the boys involved, they really improved as the term progressed. 

• Round 1: Bayside lost to Flinders Carrum Downs 
• Round 2: Bayside defeated Hillcrest 
• Round 3: Bayside defeated St Peters 
• Round 4: Bayside defeated Rivercrest 
• Round 5 Bayside defeated Flinders Tyabb

SIS Junior Girls Netball 

Well done to this year’s junior girls netball team. Despite finishing fourth on the ladder with two wins and three losses, it has been a pleasure to see the team develop and grow and improve on the skills and teamwork being taught at training. As a team the encouragement and positivity that was shown was excellent and every player gave their all in a variety of different positions. 

SIS Lawn Bowls

Selected students from the Year 12 VCE PE class competed at the SIS Lawn Bowls Tournament. The tournament consisted of 14 teams, that could be any combination of high school students in a single division, playing multiple ranking games, followed by a single final. After the grading matches Bayside’s boys team was placed in the gold medal match after finishing second on the ladder and outscoring opponents 28-7 over 6 games. 

The girls team were in the bronze medal match after finishing third on the ladder, outscoring opponents 19-12 over 6 games. Although the girls lost their final, still finishing in an outstanding fourth place overall, the boys team ended up winning the grand final 6-1 taking out the championship. They have also been invited to compete at the state titles on the 2nd of September to represent the SIS.

SIS Senior Girls Basketball

In Term 1 this year the senior girls basketball team lost their first match for the year in tough conditions, namely hot weather. The girls displayed amazing resilience throughout the remainder of the season, winning the rest of their games to capture the flag. Each player performed their assigned role each week and developed great team chemistry over the season.

SIS Girls Volleyball

In Term 1 this year the Year 10 girls team showed a high level of skill and continued to develop over the course of their undefeated season. They won all 5 matches, with every player contributing to the success of the team. Team Captain Zoe McMaster’s powerful and accurate serves throughout the season where a highlight.

SIS Senior Boys Volleyball

In Term 2 this year the senior boys continued with momentum in the interschool volleyball space. They won all 5 matches in convincing fashion, even with the team consistently fluctuating week to week due to player availability. 

At points throughout the season, every player contributed in a meaningful way during a high pressure situation. The team won a total of 16 out of 17 sets and outscored opponents 419 to 278, losing only the first set of the season. Congratulations on a well executed season gentlemen.Coach 

Mr J Goschnick, Secondary Teacher

Upcoming Dates