Principal's Report 

“May you always do for others and

Have others do for you.

May you build a ladder to the stars and

Climb every rung.” Bob Dylan

Leadership Assembly

Our first whole school assembly for 2024 was a resounding success. As part of a now cherished ritual, our Year 12 students escorted the Year 7s as the whole school welcomed them into the assembly. We recognised and applauded our 2024 Student Leaders who were presented with their badges. Cassie L and our rock band delivered exceptional performances, setting a vibrant tone for the year, and our 2023 French Exchange students shared their incredible experiences from December 2023. Special thanks to Ms Keating and Bjorn Steguweit for the smooth running of this event, and to Brad Rowswell MP for attending.

Our student leaders are set up to transform the world around them as they build a ladder to the stars together. As leaders, you have an impact on circumstances, events and people so be sure to climb every rung of the ladder. You each represent a sector of our college and your voices are central to those you represent bringing you closer to the stars. You are leaders who must encourage the voices of all to be heard so that no one is left out. You will guide others to the stars and have them join you on the ladder.

You are leaders who need to encourage others to join activities, events and support each other. This is where you do for others. There may be those who stumble up the ladder rungs and you can reach out a hand to stabilise them or they you. You are leaders that embody the Beaumaris Way. We belong in a community that fosters authentic relationships. This includes the learning and wellbeing of fellow students at the college. You are leaders that believe that hope can overcome difficulties. We must choose kindness when communicating our message.

We all play a part. Every student every day has an opportunity and responsibility to uphold the Beaumaris Way in our school community.  The high expectations for learning and wellbeing at the college are central to our safe and orderly learning environment.  

We started our assembly with our 2024 Year 12s escorting our new Year 7s into assembly. We highlighted the creative talents of students like Cassie and the rock band that finished up the assembly. We celebrated our 2024 student leaders with the presentation of badges. This is the Beaumaris Way - to ensure there is a strong sense of belonging amongst our students. 

Our leaders are ambassadors of the Beaumaris Way because:

•  you are optimistic for the future. 
• you listen to new ideas of others and critically assess their merit. 
• you model respect in all their interactions. 
• you embrace the diversity that is part of our community.
• you empower your fellow students to amplify their voices.

Student leaders are part of the shared decision making and a great example is how the structure of the day was changed, uniform changes and planning year level events like formals. 

Our leadership induction assembly allows us to celebrate students who are ambassadors for the Beaumaris Way and want to have a voice representing their peers. I look forward to working with each of you and have confidence that you will provide a strong student voice that will support learning and wellbeing for all students at the college.

Bob Dylan’s continues with:

May you grow up to be righteous

May you grow up to be true

May you always know the truth

And see the light surrounding you

May you always be courageous

Stand upright and be strong

So always remember:

• You belong to the Beaumaris Secondary College community
• You belong to a place where to learn is to grow
• We believe in our core values of curiosity, optimism, respect and excellence
• We believe that these values can change the world
• You will become your best selves on the journey
• You will become the designers of our future.

Together we can all make sure that we experience the Beaumaris Way in 2024.

International Women's Day

Tomorrow (8 March) marks International Women's Day, and this year we are celebrating under the theme 'Inspire Inclusion.' We have outstanding educators here that inspire our students each day. They share their passions, intellect and knowledge so that our girls approach every day with confidence in their learning. One of those wonderful educators is our Engagement Leader, Ms Hunter-Smith. Ms Hunter-Smith and some of our inspiring students had the privilege of attending the Invest in Women panel discussion at Victorian Parliament House earlier this week.

Victorian Police Glen Eira Bayside Neighbourhood Forum  

Last week, I attended the Glen Eira Police Forum with some of our Year 12 students. Engaging discussions covered various crucial topics such as current crime trends, crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing and drugs. The forum facilitated a meaningful dialogue between local services, community members, and the police.

Class of 2024 

Students had a great night with their guests at the Year 12 Formal in Albert Park. They looked beautiful in their dresses and suits. The weather was outstanding. The Formal Committee, Ella, Amelia, Annabelle, Edie, Sammy, Jay and Dinah organised a wonderful event for their peers. There were memories made that will last a lifetime. A heartfelt thank you to Mr de Valle for capturing the night on camera.

After a slight delay with camp and some unpredictable weather, we have finally captured the wonderful Class of 2024.

House Swimming Carnival

The House Swimming Carnival is always a highlight, and this year didn't disappoint. Check out the House Swimming Carnival page of this newsletter for a glimpse of the action. Thank you to Mr Chesters for co-ordinating this fantastic event.

ICT at BSC

Last week, new families had the opportunity to discover the power of Microsoft Teams, OneNote, Compass and Education Perfect that shapes the teaching and learning, and assessment and reporting landscape here at the college. Special thanks to Ms Kirk for organising these informative sessions, empowering our new parents for a tech-savvy journey ahead.

Visible Wellbeing Webinar

Thank you to all the parents who took advantage of the opportunity to join Professor Lea Waters and our Visible Wellbeing community last week to learn about SEARCH Pathways and how they contribute to building flourishing wellbeing in children. It is pleasing to share that of the dozen schools joining the webinar, our school had some of the highest levels of parent participation. This demonstrates, once again, how invested our parents are in working with the college to achieve the best outcomes for our students.

Gratitude

Gratitude is at the core of Beaumaris Secondary College, evident in the heartfelt thanks from our 2023 French Exchange students who presented me with a stunning poster for my office. The 'Gratitude' board in the staff lounge is also a constant reminder of the wonderful things that staff do for students and each other.

Parents' Association 

A warm thank you to our dedicated Parents' Association for organising the 'Volunteer Evening' and upcoming Parent/Carer Social Gatherings - click here for details. These events foster connections and strengthen ties within our school community, and I hope many take advantage of these opportunities.

Celebrating Achievements and Active Engagement

Wishing the best of luck to our dedicated BSC staff members participating in the Run for the Kids event on Sunday 17 March. Your commitment to both fitness and supporting charitable causes is truly commendable.

A big congratulations to Mr Chesters for successfully completing the challenging Oxfam Trailwalker over the weekend. Your perseverance and dedication in tackling this endurance event reflect the spirit of resilience we value at our school, all while raising much-needed funds. Our applause also goes to Mr Deneys for his enthusiastic participation in a CRIT bike race alongside our amazing students over the weekend. 

Thank you to all our staff and students for their outstanding efforts and achievements, contributing to the vibrant and active spirit of our school community.

Labour Day

A reminder that the school is closed for the Labour Day public holiday on Monday (11 March). Enjoy the break and we look forward to resuming classes on Tuesday 12 March.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Debby Chaves

Principal