Principal's Report
There is a place for everyone at Beaumaris — and at Beaumaris, everyone can find their place in the world.
A Reflection on Our College Community
It is always rewarding to hear positive feedback about our students and the culture of our college, and this term we have received some particularly lovely messages from staff, families and members of our wider community.
Following our Year 10 visit to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, several facilitators independently commented on the curiosity, respect and engagement demonstrated by our students. Our accompanying staff were equally proud of the way they represented Beaumaris.
We have also heard from families who have taken the time to acknowledge the support, flexibility and positive relationships they have experienced at the college. One parent described the culture at Beaumaris as something that is “not very common to find”, while another, whose three daughters have attended the college, told us, “I can’t speak highly enough about your school”, reflecting on both the educational opportunities and care his family has experienced over many years.
And sometimes the simplest feedback means just as much. A member of our local community recently called the college specifically to tell us how polite and kind our Year 12 students are whenever she encounters them at the Concourse.
These messages are a wonderful reminder that the value of a great public education is about much more than academic outcomes. It is reflected in the relationships our students build, the confidence they develop, the opportunities available to them and the way they conduct themselves within the wider community.
Importantly, this positive picture of our college community is not only reflected in the feedback we receive from others. Our students are telling us a similar story through the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS). Conducted annually by the Department of Education, the survey provides students with an important opportunity to share their views about their experiences at school, including their learning, wellbeing, engagement and relationships. Our results show positive student perceptions across a number of important areas and provide valuable insight into what our students believe we are doing well. They also help us identify where we can continue to grow and improve.
Following further analysis of both our 2026 AtoSS and Parent Opinion Survey results, including work with student focus groups, we will share some of the key highlights and learnings with our community in future newsletters.
This focus on connection is also reflected in the way we approach student wellbeing. R U OK? Day provided an opportunity to reinforce that checking in with one another is not something reserved for one day of the year. Through our Bigger Buddy System initiative in GOAL, students explored how even small interactions can create meaningful connections and opportunities to support one another. I would also like to acknowledge Assistant Principal Sean Leith and our dedicated Wellbeing Team, together with our GOAL Mentors and staff, for the important work they do each day to ensure our young people feel supported and connected.
Learning and Achievement
It has also been wonderful to see our students embracing opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. This term, our High Abilities Wider Knowledge (HAWK) students from Years 8–10 participated in the two-day Impact Boss & Beyond workshop, delivered by Young Change Agents. Students worked collaboratively to identify real-world challenges, develop social enterprise solutions and pitch their ideas, building skills in creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking.
Our Year 7 and 8 students have also been extending their mathematical thinking through the Maths Olympiad, participating in a series of after-school problem-solving challenges and collaborative practice sessions across Terms 2 and 3. The program provides students with an opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills, challenge their thinking and work alongside other students with an interest in mathematics.
Students from Years 7, 9 and 10 also participated in this year’s Maths Talent Quest, developing their own investigations to explore real-world contexts through mathematics. Congratulations to all students who participated, and particularly to Parshan N (Year 10), whose Pathfinding Algorithms investigation was one of only 18 outstanding projects selected to represent Victoria in the National Maths Talent Quest.
We also congratulate Henry W (Year 8), who took on the challenge of the Australian Maths Trust Mathematics Intermediate Olympiad, completing four hours of supervised mathematical problem-solving. This is a significant academic challenge and a wonderful example of a student extending his learning beyond the classroom.
Congratulations also to all students who represented Beaumaris Secondary College at the recent Divisional Athletics competition. We are proud of their efforts, with a number progressing through to the Regional Championships next term. We wish them every success as they take on the next level of competition.
Supporting Important Causes
Our school community has continued to show its generosity and community spirit through two recent fundraising initiatives.
Our Year 12 VCE VM students led the 100K in a School Day challenge in support of Connor’s Run and paediatric brain cancer research. Students and staff walked and ran laps of the college oval throughout the day, alongside a sausage sizzle and a visit from Connor’s Run mascot, Bob. A special thank you to Mr MacDonald for his support and guidance of the students in bringing the event together.
This was followed by students and staff participating in Connor’s Run, with our community raising an impressive $6,673. A special acknowledgement goes to Year 12 student Phoebe M, who individually raised more than $2,500 of this total.
Sports Colours Day also brought plenty of energy to the college, with students and staff dressing in their sporting colours and taking part in activities throughout the day to raise approximately $500 for the Fight Cancer Foundation. Highlights included the lunchtime dunk tank and the annual Year 12 vs Staff AFL 9s match, with staff taking out this year’s win. A special thank you to Mr McKee for coordinating the day, and to everyone who participated, donated and helped make it such a success.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour
We are looking forward to welcoming the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to Beaumaris Secondary College next term, following the successful application independently submitted by Year 7 student William P earlier this year.
We can now confirm that champion jockey Craig Williams will join the Melbourne Cup trophy for the visit on Tuesday 6 October, from 11:00am–12:00pm. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the history and significance of the Melbourne Cup, hear from Craig during a Q&A, ask their own questions and take part in photo opportunities with Craig and the Cup.
It promises to be a memorable experience for our students and a wonderful opportunity made possible through William’s initiative and enthusiasm.
End of Term 3
As Term 3 draws to a close, there is still plenty happening across the college. Our Year 12 students recently heard from renowned speaker and youth advocate Sonya Karras, who shared practical advice around safe celebrations, Schoolies, consent and looking out for one another as students prepare for the increased independence that comes with finishing school.
Tomorrow, our Year 12 students will come together for their Colour Run, organised by Year 12 students Ruby and Autumn, providing a fun way for the Class of 2026 to finish the term as they head towards their final weeks at Beaumaris. Our Year 11 students will also continue our valued partnership with Better Health Network, leading footy drills and activities for participants from the Adult Community Options Disability Day Program.
I would like to thank our students, staff and families for their continued contribution to our college community throughout another busy and rewarding term.
A reminder that students will be dismissed at 2:30pm tomorrow, Friday 18 September, with the college office closing at 3:00pm. Progress Reports will also be published tomorrow, with families notified via Compass.
I wish all members of our community a safe and enjoyable term break and look forward to welcoming students back for Term 4 on Monday 5 October.
Mr Stephen Bourbon
Principal
