Secondary School

Head of Secondary

A Year of Achievement and Blessings

As we reach the end of another rich and rewarding school year, it is a wonderful opportunity to pause and acknowledge the many achievements of our secondary students. 

Throughout the year, our students have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their learning, a commitment to personal growth, and a willingness to contribute positively to the College community. Whether through academic pursuits, extra-curricular involvement, leadership roles, or service opportunities, our students have shown maturity, determination, and a genuine desire to strive for excellence.

Across classrooms and specialist learning areas, students have tackled new challenges, embraced feedback, and put in the time and effort required to build their understanding. Their hard work has been evident in the quality of assessments, the depth of discussions, and the steady improvement shown month by month. 

Beyond academics, students have continued to involve themselves enthusiastically in sport, music, performing arts, camps, community service, and a wide range of extracurricular clubs. These experiences have helped shape their character, leadership, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that will serve them well far beyond their schooling years.

The recent Secondary Presentation Night and Celebration Assembly were proud moments for our community as we recognised students whose academic excellence, consistent effort, Christian character, leadership, and community service stood out this year. It was inspiring to celebrate those who have applied themselves diligently, supported their peers, and demonstrated the College values in their daily actions. The atmosphere across both events reflected a deep sense of achievement, encouragement, and gratitude. Families, staff, and students alike shared in the joy of seeing young people acknowledged for the integrity and perseverance they bring to their learning.

A particular highlight of the evening was the outstanding musical talent showcased by our students and teachers. Their polished performances showed skill, confidence, and commitment, adding a wonderful atmosphere to the celebrations and demonstrating the vibrant creativity within our school community. 

As a Christian school, we are reminded that perseverance and hard work are not only pathways to success but also reflections of our faith. In Galatians 6:9, we are encouraged: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This year, our students have lived out this message — persisting through challenges, supporting one another, and celebrating the rewards that come from steadfast effort. It is a powerful reminder that God is at work in their learning, shaping both their minds and their hearts.

Looking ahead to next year, we do so with excitement, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. We are confident that the foundations laid this year will continue to grow, leading to new opportunities, deeper learning, and ongoing spiritual, academic, and personal development for every student.

As we enter the Christmas season, we pray that each family experiences a blessed and joy-filled break. May we all pause to remember the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, our Saviour, and may His peace, love, and hope be present in your homes as you gather with family and friends. Wishing you a safe, restful, and blessed Christmas and New Year.

James Kumnick, Head of Secondary

2026 Secondary Year Level Coordinators 

We are delighted to share an exciting update on the structure of our 2026 Secondary Leadership team. While each Coordinator will have a primary focus on their respective year levels, the true strength of this group lies in its collaborative approach. 

Throughout 2026, the team will continue to broaden its reach across the Secondary School—working together more intentionally, supporting one another, and enriching the experience of both students and staff.

Years 7–9 Coordinators

• Jay Johnstone
• Josh Thorne (joining our Maths/Science/Bible team in 2026)

Years 10–12 Coordinators

• Amy Partridge
• Paris Farr

2026 Secondary Heads of Faculty

The appointment of Faculty Heads is an important step forward as we continue strengthening our structure, collaboration, and overall performance across the College. After a strong field of expressions of interest and thoughtful conversations, the following staff have been appointed:

• Chay Williamson & Tim Clark, Arts & Technology
• Janna Becker & Katie McCann, English & Humanities
• Peter Beissmann & Nigel Kuipers, Maths & Science
• Peter Zwiersen, Physical Education & SIS Sport

This team brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and vision to their faculty areas. Their leadership will play a key role as we sharpen our scope and sequence, build greater consistency across curriculum and assessment, and strengthen teamwork and accountability in every subject area. 

2025 VCE Dux

We are delighted to announce that the 2025 Dux of Bayside Christian College is Emma Osterberg, who achieved an outstanding ATAR score of 92.9. Emma’s commitment to academic excellence has been further highlighted by her exceptional achievement of a perfect study score of 50 in Art Making and Exhibiting.

We also acknowledge and congratulate our high-achieving students who complete our top three for 2025, Emma Anderson and Ciara Feeney. Each of these students has demonstrated academic diligence, character, and perseverance throughout their senior studies.

We celebrate these outstanding accomplishments and commend Emma, Emma, and Ciara on their dedication and success.

2026 Student Leadership Team 

We are pleased to congratulate our 2026 Secondary Student Leadership Team. These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to service, responsibility, and the values of our College, and we look forward to the leadership they will provide in 2026.

The student leadership selection process was both rigorous and purposeful. Applicants completed a written application and were then selected from their year level to participate in an interview with a panel from the Secondary Leadership Team. Following the interviews, each applicant received one-on-one feedback designed to support growth and reflection.

We congratulate all students who applied and those who were interviewed for their willingness to step forward and challenge themselves. Your effort, courage, and commitment to serving our College community are to be commended, and we look forward to seeing our 2026 student leaders lead with integrity and enthusiasm.

College Captains 

Gabriella Cardona (12)

Joseph Gaskell (12)

Vice Captains

Isabella De Haan (12)

Thomas Bell (12)

Prefects

Joel Berry (12)

Annabelle Hughes (12)

Annabel McDonald (12)

Nikhita Paull (12)

Overcomers Captains (Red)

Zara Berry (11)

Mitchell Hooper (11)

Conquerors Captains (Yellow)

Billy Ng (11)

Jess Blake (11)

Believers Captains (Green)

Elise Hallam (10)

Isaac Kidney (10)

Student Representative Council

Jayda Ryall (11)

Chloe Da Silva (11)

Ava Harris (10)

Jasmine Versteegen (10)

Emily Buchanan (10)

Lucas Swales (9)

Winter Nixon (8)

Jude Beeching (8)

Year 7 SRC members will be appointed in 2026.

Distinguished Awards

AMPOL All Rounder Award

Chloe Kidney (12)

Louisa Dunkley Shield

Jasmine Hooper (12)

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars

Will Unwin (10)

Monash Scholars Program

Jayda Ryall (10)

ADF Long Tan Award

Zara Berry (10)

Hendricus Versteegen (12)

ADF Future Innovators Award

Nathan Faure (10)

Gabriella Fryers (12)

Bayside Way Awards

This award recognises students who have consistently displayed the qualities of awareness of community, service, personal discipline, positive character, academic endeavour and application. The students receiving this award tonight have been recognised by their teachers to have consistently and reliably modelled the Bayside Way character traits that are valued by the school community.

Winter Nixon (7)

Amy Jones (8)

Isaac Hughes (9)

Jayda Ryall (10)

Joseph Gaskell (11)

Gabriella Fryers (12)

Year Level Awards

Commendation Awards are presented to the two students from each year level who have demonstrated the strongest commitment to their studies over the course of the year.

Lily Popplestone (7)

Kaitlyn Trotter (7)

Summer Black (8)

Alexis Wallis (8)

Daniel Baker (9)

Koby Jeremiah (9)

Sienna Devenish (10)

Riley Archibald (10)

Shang Lee (11)

Gabriella Cardona (11)

Oliver van der Zwaard (11VM)

Skye Jeremiah (12)

Ee Wen Chia (12)

Azaria Newsham (12VM)

Academic Excellence Awards in Years 7-10 recognise those students who have attained an 80% average across their Core subjects (English, Math, Science, Humanities, and Bible) and two or more additional subjects for the year.

Ruize Zhang (7)

Seraphim Vinogradovs (7)

Ethan Coleman (7)

Jude Beeching (7)

Erica Maxwell (8)

Rebekah Wilkinson (8)

Phoebe Ward (8)

Lucas Swales (8)

Quinn Sullivan (8)

Indie Blok (8)

Amy Jones (8)

Ava Harris (9)

Molly Trotter (9)

Isaac Kidney (9)

Ee Yang Chia (9)

Jasmine Slater (9)

Emily Buchanan (9)

Nathan Faure (10)

Breana Oliver (10)

Will Unwin (10)

Alexander Smith (10)

Dane Nolen (10)

Jessica Blake (10VM)

Thomas Bell (11)

Luke Faure (11)

Annabelle Hughes (11)

Heather Stubbs (11)

Isabelle De Haan (11VM)

Joseph Gaskell (11VM)

Milla Spierings (11VM)

Emma Osterberg (12)

Amy Mahoney (12)

Emma Anderson (12)

Detroit Roncon (12VM)

Liam Treacy (12VM)

Brock Jago (12VM)

Hendricus Versteegen (12VM)

Proxime Accessit Award is presented to the student at each year level who has attained the second highest grades in their Core subjects throughout the year behind the Dux.

Seraphim Vinogradov (7)

 Quinn Sullivan (8)

Isaac Kidney (9)

Dane Nolen (10)

Luke Faure (11)

Emma Anderson (12)

The Dux Award is presented to the student at each year level who has attained the highest grades in their Core subjects throughout the year.

Ethan Coleman (7)

Rebekah Wilkinson (8)

Molly Trotter (9)

Will Unwin (10)

Annabelle Hughes (11)

Emma Osterberg (12)

College Sports Awards

Our sports awards are for students who were recognised for their high level of performance in a variety of sporting endeavours across 2025. The following students have consistently demonstrated this standard in the Southern Independent Sports (SIS) interschool program. 

They have participated in multiple team sports throughout the year, always leading by example whilst displaying the Bayside College values. They have also competed in the SIS interschool carnivals including athletics, swimming and cross country. Furthermore, these students have displayed a positive sporting attitude and have been a role model for their fellow students.

Darcy Judd (8)

Quinn Sullivan (9)

Tyler Zwiersen (9)

Christopher Millar (10)

Ashton Murphy (11)

College Arts Awards

The Arts' award is presented to a Junior and Senior Secondary student who has made an outstanding contribution to the internal and extra curricular performing and visual arts programs at the college. These students embody the dedication and commitment above and beyond what is required of them.

Isaac Kidney (9)

Joshua Devenish (12)

SIS and Year Level Sport Awards

Each of the following students has participated at a high level throughout the 2025 SIS sports competition. They have consistently represented the College across multiple teams, demonstrating commitment, sportsmanship, and the values of Bayside Christian College. In addition, each student has represented the school at interschool carnivals, including Swimming, Cross Country, and Athletics.

These awards were determined through a vote by all SIS coaches, recognising outstanding contribution and performance within each year level. We congratulate the following students on this well-deserved achievement:

• Eli Lynch (7)
• Lily Popplestone  (7)
• Ethan Kumnick (8)
• Summer Zwiersen (8)
• Phoebe Ward (8)
• Emily Buchanan (9)
• Isaac Hughes (9)
• Reed Watson (10)
• Eve Lynch (10)
• Annabelle Hughes (11)
• Joseph Gaskell (11)
• Jasmine Hooper (12)

• Kayden De Haan (12)

   

Congratulations to all award recipients on your dedication and achievements throughout the 2025 SIS sporting season.

Community Service Awards

We are pleased to recognise the following students with Community Service Awards for their faithful and generous service within our school community throughout 2025. These students have volunteered their time either by supporting the daily operations of the North Canteen or by serving as part of the Worship Service Tech Team.

Across the year, these students have served with commitment and care—often under challenging circumstances—demonstrating leadership, resilience, and humility in the way they supported their peers and the wider College community. Their willingness to serve behind the scenes has made a meaningful difference, and their contribution has not gone unnoticed.

We are deeply grateful for the dedication shown by each of these students and commend them for the outstanding way they have lived out our College values through service.

North Canteen Volunteers

• Annabel McDonald (11)
• Annabelle Hughes (11)
• Asha Manning (11)
• Brianna Swales (11)

Worship Service Tech Team

• Tamsyn Mason (8)
• Ezra Dixon (8)

• Liam Coleman (10)

   

Congratulations to all recipients, and thank you for your generosity, reliability, and servant-hearted approach throughout the year.

VETAmorphus Graduation

The VETAmorphus students graduated on Saturday the 29th November. The graduation ceremony was held at the Croydon Hills Baptist Church, run by Rowan, the overseer of VETA. 

Schools from around Victoria, who participated in VETA this year, gathered together to celebrate their collective growth and achievements. It was beautiful to worship together and see how much students from around Victoria have chosen to tackle their faith head on and continue to invest in this area of their lives. 

Students who participated in VETA graduated with a Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology. What an honour it has been to watch these students grow throughout this year and I look forward to seeing how they continue to implement what they have learnt from this course in the future.

Amy Partridge, Secondary Teacher

The Bartholomew Project

The Dalton McCaughey Library significantly supported the two-day Bartholomew Project for twelve Bayside Christian College students in Year 10/11 who demonstrated an aptitude and interest in biblical studies. Over the two days, we provided them with Biblical instruction by Trinity College Theological School Professor of Ministry and New Testament scholar, Fergus King, and research support from library staff so that the students could do basic exegesis and develop chapel talks, Bible studies, and devotions to be shared, perhaps published, upon their return to school.

Congratulations to all the students involved and for your hard work and dedication to biblical studies - your writings have been made available here:

https://dml.vic.edu.au/bartholomew-project/

Year 8 Headstart

As part of the Year 8 Headstart program, our current Year 7 students are undertaking a unit in Science on Energy. For one of the activities, students created catapults, and competed to see whose catapult could fling a projectile (table tennis ball) the furthest. This was to investigate the different forms of energy involved in catapults (elastic potential energy, gravitational potential energy, sound energy and kinetic energy). 

Students had a great time creating these catapults, testing them out and modifying them in preparation for the competition. A big congratulations to Emily and Mukundi from 7B who came out victorious, and well done to everyone else who participated in the catapult projectile competition; much fun was had by all!

Nigel Kuipers, Secondary Teacher

VM Christmas Hampers

The amazing Year 11 VM class ran a successful Christmas Hamper program during their Headstart sessions. They promoted the Hampers with classes, helped develop communication and distributed / collected tubs. I was really impressed with their maturity and enthusiasm for this program. These hampers will go to families struggling to have a Christmas Lunch this year in our local Frankston North community. 

A massive thank you goes to each and every family, who donated towards this wonderful initiative.

Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Community Market VM stalls

Year 10 & 11 VM students ran stalls at the recent community market and many of the stalls had great profits. These net profits were combined with stall fees and the generosity of Year 9 students and teachers to donate $1300 to Compassion for child sponsorship. We were able to sponsor Magdala from Haiti, who has been waiting 425 days to have her life transformed by the Compassion program. 

Thanks so much to Ulli Austermann, James Siede, Geoff Millikan and Justin Mason for helping to set up and pack up this massive market!

Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Moonlit Sanctuary

The Year 10 VM class had their first visit to our community partner, Moonlit Sanctuary for a working session during Headstart. We worked through the Wallaby Walk area picking up piles of sticks and branches to greatly enhance the entire space for people visiting the park and for the resident Wallabies and Kangaroos. A huge thank you goes to Justin Mason and Elijah Austermann for attending and helping to supervise the class.

Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

Prep and VM Sessions

Year 10 and 11 VM students have been working with the Prep class during Headstart and this has been a wonderful learning opportunity for the VM students. We walked the group to the North Campus for an animal feeding session and worked on craft and Christmas creations in the classroom. A massive thank you goes to Madura Nadarajah for coordinating these sessions.

Ken Berry, VM Coordinator

VM Blairlogie Partnership

Earlier this year, Bayside Christian College approached Blairlogie to explore the possibility of an ongoing partnership for their community engagement and participation program. Since then, sixteen Year 11 VCE VM students have been attending Blairlogie regularly to contribute to a variety of projects and activities. 

The students have worked in small groups to create a kitchen garden next to 675 North Rd, garden maintenance, provide feedback on grounds improvements, and participate in centre based activities including music and drumming, art and craft, cooking, and yoga and movement. Henry and Marcus in music and drumming are always excited to see the students each visit.

Over their time at Blairlogie, the students have made valuable contributions to garden projects, path maintenance, and supporting various activities. Their enthusiasm, friendliness, and eagerness to connect with clients, whether through dancing, singing, or cooking, demonstrate the positive impact of inclusive engagement and the importance of fostering a society where everyone can participate and contribute.

Two students shared reflections on their experience:

“As part of our school’s VM Program our class has come to Blairlogie regularly to hang out with clients. We participated in several activities such as drumming and music, art, outdoor maintenance and more. I have really enjoyed my time getting to know the clients and helping with activities. This has been a great opportunity to connect with everyone and learn new skills.” – Alexys Tootell

“As a school, we have been visiting Blairlogie almost weekly. We get to engage with the clients by joining in on activities such as arts and crafts, music and drumming, cooking and board games. As a cohort we have also rebuilt some garden beds and made planters, which are looking really nice. Visiting Blairlogie has been a great learning opportunity for me personally. I’ve also come out of my comfort zone as I meet and connect with new people. Overall, we really value our time here and the special connections we have made with clients. We are so blessed to be able to spend time with you guys.” – Summer Buckley

Blairlogie greatly values the ongoing engagement and contributions of Bayside Christian College students. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership next year, fostering an inclusive community that promotes connection, learning, and social progress for all.

James Siede, Secondary Teacher

Indonesian

Last week, to conclude our Indonesian learning for the year 2025, the Year 9 Indonesian students and the classes beyond shared a traditional Indonesian lunch. We enjoyed nasi tumpeng, a special dish known for its distinctive cone shape and its variety of side dishes. Each component—such as fried chicken, fried noodles, eggs with mild sambal, mixed vegetables with shredded coconut, beef rendang, diced potatoes with a mild sauce and prawns, and perkedel (mashed potato and meat patties)—carries symbolic significance. Traditionally, nasi tumpeng is prepared to express gratitude to the Lord for His protection and blessings throughout the year. 

Pak Verrell and Bu Schokman, Indonesian Teacher

VCE Chemistry

2026 Chemistry classes are off to a flaming start! The year 11s have been working through the atom at a deeper level, through a variety of games, activities, and practicals, including the flame tests pictured here. 

The year 12s have continued to burn their love for chemistry, through the creation of biodiesel, showing how we can take the reactive chemistry we learn and apply it to make more sustainable fuel sources. We are in for an explosive year ahead, learning more about combustion in the new year.

Titration Competition

On the 26th November, select students participated in the state wide titration competition. This was held at RMIT. Competing students had to perform a titration on their own and then use their results to calculate the unknown concentration of vinegar. Gabriella, Heather, and Isabella performed their titrations with excellent precision and technique. 

RMIT also gave us the opportunity to participate in hands-on real-world Chemistry, and the different types of research and areas university students are currently studying. RMIT did an excellent job of showing all they have to offer at their diverse University. We look forward to entering the Titration Competition again in 2026 and trying our best at this challenging task.

Congratulations to graduating Year 12 student Chloe Kidney who won our school’s Titration Competition this year!

We acknowledge the dedication of our students who took part in this respected, statewide event and their outstanding performance.

• Gabriella Cardona (11)
• Luke Faure (11)
• Justin Keel (11)
• Leon Nebauer Stokes (11)
• Montana Pollard (11)
• Heather Stubbs (11)
• Isabella Thomas (11)

Upcoming Dates