Secondary

Head of Secondary

Finding Hope in the Midst of Change

As you are well aware, twice a term we come together as a community for a whole school worship service. The theme for these occasions in 2025 is “Hope”. Our first service for term two was recently held on Tuesday 6 May, the focus for this time being “Hope in the Midst of Change”.

Life is full of changes—some exciting, others unsettling. Whether it's a new job, a health diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or global uncertainty, change can often leave us feeling unmoored. But as believers, we are not left to drift in the chaos. In Christ, we have a steady hope that anchors us, even when the future feels uncertain.

The Bible reminds us that while everything around us may shift, God remains the same:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8

This truth gives us a firm foundation. We do not have to fear the unknown, because we serve a God who not only knows the future but holds it. He is faithful to us through every season of life, even the ones we didn’t see coming.

When Israel faced exile and uncertainty, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah:

“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

God's plans may not always align with ours, but they are always good, always filled with hope, and always rooted in His love for us.

As we face change in 2026 as a Bayside community, may we take heart in the promises of Scripture and remember that our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the One who never changes. Let us “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” - Hebrews 10:23.

Even in times of uncertainty, we can walk forward with confidence—because our hope is alive. So, as we navigate towards and then through our next transitional period as a school community, I encourage us to remember this: God is already in our tomorrow. I pray that we let His promises steady our hearts, and may we let His Spirit guide us forward. Change may be inevitable, but so is God's faithfulness. He knows what is best for us and what our direction going forward as a College will be.

God bless,

Mr James Kumnick, Head of Secondary

Welcoming Preservice Teachers from Eastern College

This term, Bayside Christian College is delighted to welcome two preservice teachers from Eastern College, Nathan Fernando and Matthew Neil. Over the next three weeks, Nathan and Matthew will be observing and assisting in junior English and Mathematics classes. In Weeks 2 and 3, they will also have the opportunity to deliver some lessons under the guidance of their mentor teachers.

Nathan, who is completing his third-year, is training to teach Secondary English and Maths. Inspired by the passionate educators in his own schooling journey, Nathan hopes to encourage and equip students to grow into who God has called them to be. Outside of school, Nathan enjoys playing soccer for Waverley City SC, is a devoted Carlton supporter, and recently married in April.

Matthew is in his second year of studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education, with English and Mathematics as his teaching areas. He is passionate about working with young people and sharing the message of God’s love, character, and hope. Matthew has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Bayside so far and values the opportunity to learn from experienced staff. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball, and serves at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Nathan will be working alongside Kerri Bernon (English) and Nigel Kuipers (Maths), while Matthew will be mentored by Katie McCann (English) and Peter Beissmann (Maths).

If you see them in class or around the school, please extend a warm welcome. It is encouraging to witness the strong focus on Biblical worldview at Eastern College, and the openness of both Nathan and Matthew to explore Christ-centred approaches to teaching and learning.

We look forward to welcoming them back for a further three-week placement later in Term 3.

Creative Upcycling in 9/10 Textiles

This semester, our Year 9/10 Textiles students are designing and creating satchel bags using recycled denim. After researching the brand Typo and exploring various design options last term, students were challenged to incorporate felting into their final product. They experimented with both dry and wet felting techniques before choosing their preferred method.

Currently, students are working on the felting component of their bags, with all choosing to use needle felting. This process involves using a special barbed needle to repeatedly stab wool roving, which tangles the fibres together and forms a dense, textured design.

I’m so pleased and proud to share some current photos of students’ fabulous work. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as their creations take shape!

Year 11 Physics

The Year 11 Physics class investigated the current and potential difference (voltage) of a 12V light bulb as part of their Electricity unit of study.

Year 7 Camp

Year 8 Camp Phillip Island

Year 9 Camp

God Moves on Year 9 Camp as students seek Him -Ava Harris and Isaac Hughes

Throughout the week of Year 9 Camp, the Lord was working. He worked through the prayers and the devotions that the teachers graciously prepared for us, but he also worked through the hearts of a few year nine girls, who decided to run a before-bed bible study and prayer. 

This was initially intended as a chance for all the girls in our year level to come together to give our day over to the Lord and to build a prayer culture throughout the year level. However, this ended up having a far greater impact than we could have expected, and the Lord, in his true fashion, used it to reach out to those who did not yet know him. 

On the first and second nights of camp, the girls who wanted to gathered outside of their cabins into the hallway, where some of us read verses that the Lord had put on our hearts, and for both nights, each of these verses were related to each other, highlighting to us what the Lord wanted to tell us that night. After this, we invited anyone who needed prayer to ask for it, so that we could all band together to pray for them. This was a really special time that not only developed a beautiful connection and sisterhood between the girls, but a time for us to just be able to sit and speak to the Lord, and have him use us as vessels for him to speak through for his glory. 

On the final night, we had a campfire, and the Lord put it on our hearts that he wanted us to run prayer at the campfire instead of just the dorm hallway, so that the boys and the teachers could be involved as well, ultimately bringing the whole camp community together. 

Around the bonfire we made smores and listened to a staff devotion; it was a great opportunity for our whole grade to share some of their favourite bible verses and spend some time in prayer. It was great to see the hunger that all the students had for sharing the word of God.

We were able to sit back and watch God’s small girl’s prayer group double in size, yet another example of how the Lord can take something small and make something big out of it. This was a powerful time, and we could see the holy spirit working through not only those who prayed, but also the ones who did not know him, and were able to just sit in his presence, some for the first time. Guys, girls and teachers praying and sharing together was a really profound experience. 

Matthew 18:20 says: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” James 5:16 says: “Confess your tresspasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (KJV)

Only God knows how he will use what was shared on that night to bring each of us closer to him. Joshua 1:9 was also a verse that was shared and is a really great reminder, it says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.".

Prayer in numbers has power, and during this time of prayer, the effects of both these verses were evident. This truly was a beautiful way to end a great camp, and though the camp itself may have ended, I believe that this was only the beginning of what the Lord is planning to do with his school and the beautiful community that he has given us, and I cannot wait to see where the Lord is planning to take this next.

Year 10 Central Australia

Year 11 Camp The Summit

Reflecting back, I was not that excited heading into Year 11 Camp to be honest. I had previously heard that it was not that fun, and it ‘blows’. This would have been true, if not for the positive attitude that our Year 11 cohort and VETA group arrived with. The Summit Camp was a really enjoyable experience and a time where our Year 11 group formed this special bond that I pray, continues throughout the next year and a half. For me, the opportunity presented by the camp to connect at a deeper level with our year was my overarching highlight. 

However, more closely, one of my highlights was the VETA-run nighttime spaces. Before camp, our group saw the opportunity to speak into our cohort through God and the Holy Spirit, and we took advantage of that. Across both nights, we ran these panel-like times where we invited and interacted with our VETA students and Year 11 peers, asking them questions about their faith or role models, for example. 

Following this, we entered times of ‘soaking’ that allowed everyone to be in a place of vulnerable solitude with God, while receiving prayer from peers or simply talking openly to share. Personally, being able to see the wonders and works of God, and the way he impacts others through his hope, grace and unfailing love was a true highlight. - Thomas

The Year 11 Camp had a past reputation for low attendance, but as part of the planning committee, I was determined to change that. Our first day of camp included a trip down to Sorrento for the day, where we would go to ‘Millionaire's Walk’, followed by taking the ferry to Queenscliff. Unfortunately, things took a turn. We were unable to catch the ferry but enjoyed the day shopping, eating and most importantly playing beach volleyball. 

Day 2 of Camp week was my favourite, starting the day at Gravity Zone and finishing it at Melbourne Cable Park. Those who were daring participated in kneeboarding; it was funny to watch as some were able to hold on for a full lap, whilst others weren’t as lucky. To end the day was the inflatables. It became the mission of many to push others off, which brought more laughter. 

I enjoyed camp and appreciate the effort that the Veta crew and others put in to make it all the more enjoyable and memorable. The biggest takeaway our cohort has taken from Year 11 Camp Week is the bond that was created between all of us; we took down walls and were able to learn more about each other on a new level. I hope and pray that this connection maintains its strength to get us all through these next couple of tough years. Shout out to Mr. Alley for encouraging group 2 to step out of their comfort zones! - Gabby

Year 12 City Camp

VM Point Leo Camp

James Siede, Ulli Austermann, Jo Piening and I took our largest ever VM group of 44 students for a two-day camp to Point Leo. We were blessed with dry weather and made the most of being in such a beautiful environment for two days. The students planned their menus, purchased, prepared and cooked all their own food for the camp. 

They cleaned up (sort of ☺)  and had to run all the activities for the trip. We had an epic sandcastle building competition, beach games, beach flag’s, fishing, beach Volleyball and a wonderful night walk. The students worked in small groups to run these activities, and they largely did a wonderful job. A massive thank you goes to the amazing VM staff for helping to make this trip so incredibly successful. 

Easter Community Market

Our Year 10, 11 & 12 VM students did a wonderful job running stalls at the Easter market just before the end of Term 1. They helped to raise over $550 for our 4 Compassion teenagers from Indonesia. The markets are a massive blessing to Riri, Aloi, Marvel and Brayen. Thanks so much to Justin Mason and the VM team for helping to make this market such a wonderful experience.

Years 9 & 10 Agriculture

Our students have been getting to know the North Campuses resident goats and Alpacas recently and this has been a wonderful part of the agriculture course. Students have been weeding the grow out and orchard area to then feed our animals and have had the opportunity to walk the goats to forage in school garden beds. 

Mr Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

SIS Junior Girls AFL

The Junior Girls AFL 9s team brought fantastic energy and team spirit throughout Term 1. From the beginning, the girls were supportive of one another and showed a strong desire to work well as a team.

In their first game, the team led for the entire match before experiencing a heartbreaking loss in the final 15 seconds. Despite the setback, the girls didn’t lose hope. They returned the following week with renewed determination and recorded their first-ever win in AFL 9s — a milestone achievement, including all games played last year.

The team continued to put their best foot forward in each match and demonstrated great improvement across the season. Their commitment, resilience, and positivity were a credit to them all. Overall the team finished third with three wins and two losses. Well done to all players. 

SIS Senior Boys Soccer

Congratulations to the Senior Boys Soccer team for winning the SIS flag in Term 1. The Year 11 and 12 Bayside students performed exceptionally well in their first Game against St Peters coming back from 2 down to score 3 goals in the second half, won convincingly against Flinders and claimed victory in a redemption match against Padua after conceding in their first matchup. Well done to all the students who were part of the squad who played in the Bayside manner and are inspiring the Junior students in their SIS participation.

Mrs Laura Klan, Secondary Teacher

SIS Intermediate Boys Netball

Congratulations to this year’s year 9 and 10 boys netball team. They had a fantastic term competing in this year’s SIS competition, coming runners up. All members of the team played well, and their skills and tactics developed as the season went on. Results were: R1: Bayside defeated St Margarets 38 to 16, R2: Bayside defeated Padua 34 to 10, R3: Bayside lost to Flinders 24 to 30R4: Bayside defeated Woodleigh 33 to 15 

Upcoming Dates