Junior School 

Junior School Assistant Principal Address

As we come to the end of Term 4, I would like to congratulate our Junior School students and staff on what has been an exceptional finish to the year. In only our second year of operation, seeing the growth, energy and sense of achievement across our Junior Campus has been a privilege to witness.

Throughout the year, students have embraced opportunities to challenge themselves, develop leadership skills and proudly represent Bemin Secondary College. Highlights include seeing our Year 8 students performing in our first State Schools Spectacular, with special mention to Andy Gao for representing Bemin behind the scenes as a stage manager. Our students also excelled in public speaking and debating, with Ishmay Jewana and Chenul Henasinghe recognised at Wynspeak, and our Year 7 and 8 debating teams achieving wins and top speaker awards in the Debating Association of Victoria competition.

Student voice and community spirit were evident through Athletics Day, a student-led Remembrance Day ceremony, School Spirit Week, Harmony Week, Science Week and Book Week. Our generosity was also on display through Jeans for Genes Day, raising over $700 for charity.

Interschool sport has continued to grow, with teams competing in netball, soccer (supported by WUFC coaching our Year 7 and 8 teams), badminton, cricket, athletics and more. A special congratulations to Marita Manoa-Seumanutafa (Year 7), who became the first Bemin student to compete at a state level, placing fourth in the 100m at the State Track and Field event. Well done Marita what a fantastic achievement.

Students also benefited from a range of excursions and incursions, including the Year 7 Lake Dewar Adventure Day, while lunchtime activities included Board Games Club, Karaoke Fridayz, the Great Bemin Speak Off, Diwali celebration and a student-led Wellbeing Week reflected the positive culture developing across the Junior School. Leadership growth continued through Student Leadership Forums and participation in the ABCN STEM Innovators Program.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate all of our students who received awards at the End-of-Year Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, 11th December. Your achievements reflect your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout 2025. It was wonderful to celebrate your successes across academics, leadership, sports, the arts, and community contributions.

Together, these experiences highlight what can be achieved in such a short time. As a school in only its second year, our students are already shaping a strong culture grounded in excellence, respect, community and innovation.

As we head into the break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, reflect and celebrate a successful year. Thank you to all of our staff, students and families for making 2025 a memorable year in the story of Bemin Secondary College. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to seeing everyone in 2026.

Elyshia Sheldon

Assistant Principal - Junior School

Term 4 Wrap Up

Junior Subschool Team Reflection

Term 4 has been a jampacked and rewarding concluding term for 2025, filled with a wide range of opportunities and achievements for our Junior Campus students. Highlights from this term included camp, ABCN excursions, visits to our local primary schools, and students proudly representing the College at interschool sporting events. Alongside these experiences, many students demonstrated excellent academic achievement, which has been reflected in their Semester reports and continued to show commitment, leadership, and enthusiasm across all areas of school life. We sincerely thank all of our students, parents, and community members for your ongoing support and perseverance throughout the year. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy holiday break.

The Junior Sub-School Team: Miranda Orford, Suzanne Higginbottom and Daniel Ridolfi 

Student Engagement 

Australian Business and Community Networks (ABCN) Workshops- Term 4 

Throughout Term 4, a group of Year 7 and 8 girls participated in the ABCN (Australian Business and Community Network) STEM Innovators Program. Through this program, students had the opportunity to meet and work alongside mentors from Accenture, as well as visiting and working with people from Scienceworks. This assisted them in gaining valuable insight into real-world careers in STEM. The mentors shared their expertise and supported students as they explored innovative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration in a professional context.

As part of the program, students engaged in hands-on activities using micro:bits, applying coding and design skills to solve complex challenges. Working in teams, they designed and invented a prototype product intended for use in space, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, and technological capability. The program was an inspiring experience that encouraged students to consider future pathways in STEM while building confidence and practical skills.

Miranda Orford- Junior School Leader

Class Clowns Comedy Workshop 

Earlier in Term 4, a group of our students took part in an exciting and laughter-filled comedy workshop organised by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. We were fortunate to be joined by the multi-talented comedian and presenter Annie Louey, who brought energy, expertise and plenty of laughs to the session. Throughout the workshop, students explored key comedy skills and developed their stage presence. With Annie’s guidance and encouragement, students stepped well outside their comfort zones to create and perform their own short stand-up comedy routines. The room was filled with laughter as students confidently shared their ideas, developed their confidence and discovered the power of humour as a form of creative expression.

Daniel Ridolfi - Performing Arts Teacher 

Diwali Performance 

This Diwali was such an exciting time! Some Year 7 and Year 8 students took the stage with various dance performances at Warreen Primary School and at Bemin. Each performance was carefully prepared to show the richness of our culture. The first was a big group performance where we all danced together using sticks. The second and third performances focused on traditional songs, each carrying deep meaning and stories from our heritage. And honestly, the way we looked made it even better. We wore traditional jewellery and clothing in many colours, and together it made us stand out. Watching the Warreen Primary students was a joy. Their vocal and instrumental performances were full of energy, and we loved seeing how confident they were. What made the whole celebration memorable was how everyone gave their best. For me, it felt amazing to share my culture and see to others shine too.

Sahasra Gudala - Year 7 Student 

First Ever Camp for Bemin Secondary College

Junior School Camp - Y Anglesea Discovery Camp 

On the 15th and 16th of December, some of our Year 7 and 8 students attended camp at the Y Anglesea Discovery Camp. Across the two days, students were given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and take part in a wide range of engaging activities. These included ropes courses, rogaine challenges, skateboarding, and other exciting experiences designed to encourage participation, confidence, and personal growth.

Throughout the camp, students demonstrated enthusiasm, cooperation, and a strong willingness to support one another. The activities focused on building teamwork and resilience, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills and strengthen peer connections in a supportive environment. Overall, the camp was a highly positive experience that created lasting memories and helped students grow both socially and personally.

A huge THANK YOU to all of the support received from the attending teachers, Miss Stafford, Ms. Blazeski, Mr Ridolfi, Mr Baumgarten, Miss Morar and Mrs Orford. 

Miranda Orford- Junior School Leader

Orientation Day and Welcome Year 7 students

It was a pleasure meeting our incoming Year 7 students at Statewide Orientation Day on Tuesday 9th December. The enthusiasm, curiosity and positive energy shown throughout the day were wonderful to see. Students enjoyed getting a taste of life at Bemin, experiencing a range of subjects and beginning to familiarise themselves with the school. We are looking forward to welcoming you and your families into the Bemin Secondary College community next year and supporting you as you begin this exciting next chapter of your learning journey.

Elyshia Sheldon - Junior School Assistant Principal

Student Leadership

Student Leadership Forum - Term 4

As part of our end-of-year Junior School leadership development, students participated in a series of reflective leadership sessions, culminating in our final Student Leadership Forum for the year. These sessions encouraged students to think about what leadership looks like in everyday actions and how they can positively influence those around them.

During the Western Bulldogs Leadership Session, students explored the qualities they believe make a good leader. They reflected on leadership they have seen in their own lives and discussed how values such as integrity, teamwork and responsibility shape the way leaders support others. A key message of the session was that leadership is not about being the best or most talented, but about showing up for others, making positive choices and leading by example.

Students also participated in a Leadership and Character Development workshop facilitated by Acts of Random Kindness Victoria (ARK VIC). This session focused on empathy, kindness and taking positive action, highlighting the importance of compassion and community in leadership. Students were encouraged to think about how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference within our school and beyond. 

Together, these experiences supported our Junior School students in developing confidence, self-awareness and a strong sense of responsibility as emerging leaders within the Bemin community.

2026 Student Leadership Opportunities

The student leadership selection and interview process will continue next year when we welcome our new Year 7 students to Bemin Secondary College. More information will be provided at the start of the year for all students. 

Elyshia Sheldon - Junior School Assistant Principal

Preparing for 2026 in the Junior School

What to Expect Next Year in Junior School (Years 7–9)

• Our Junior School will include Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students learning together on campus.
• We will welcome new students and new staff to our Bemin College community.
• The school will be busier, with all classes running across all buildings.
• You will move between different classrooms for each subject, rather than having one main room.
• You will need to check your timetable carefully and arrive to class on time.

Key Dates

Return to School: 

• Thursday 29 January - Year 7 

• Friday 30th January - Year 8 and 9

   

• Students should arrive no later than 8:45am with all necessary equipment, including a fully changed device, relevant textbooks, exercise books, pens and any other prescribed materials
• Students will be undertaking a transition program in this first 1 - 2 days to help get to know each other, our classes and our expectations.

Uniform

• All students are expected to wear full academic uniform each and every day
• PE uniform may only be worn when you have Physical Education on days you have practical classes
• Should families require support with the correct academic uniform, please contact the College office or a member of the Junior School team for support

Devices and Books

• We are a BYOD school, information about the types of devices and programs can be found on our website
• Students' devices will be set up in the first week of school
• Please refer to the booklist for the resources you will need to come prepared for 2026