Principal's Update

Good Afternoon,

Welcome to our new and improved fortnightly newsletter. Here, I’ll be keeping you updated on all things happening at the College, from exciting events and important announcements to the latest achievements of our students and staff. Stay tuned for all the highlights and essential information you need to know.

The Relationship between Attendance and Health | 

In the last edition, I wrote about the importance of students attending school regularly. Attendance is compulsory for all young people aged 6 to 17 years, unless an exemption has been granted by the Department of Education in consultation with the College Principal. 

The Centre on Society and Health, a United States-based organization, has concluded that in today’s knowledge economy, people with more education are more likely to be employed in positions that provide health-promoting benefits, such as health insurance, paid leave, and better retirement options. 

Planning for your child's future and encouraging them to study and learn at school must begin as early as possible, and it must come from the home first. Our school is here to support and provide the education, but the home is where the motivation must be the strongest. 

As students remain in school longer, opportunities for earning higher incomes also contribute to a better lifestyle. This includes taking time to exercise regularly, easily purchasing healthy foods, and being able to pay for health services and even transportation. Furthermore, the job insecurity, low wages, and lack of resources associated with less education can make individuals more vulnerable during difficult times.There are obviously situations where your child does need to stay away from school. The school needs to know when and why your child is absent. You must inform the school as soon as possible on the day of absence and explain why your child cannot attend. The school will keep a record of the reason provided for each absence. As the parent/guardian, you need to log your child’s absences on Compass, bring certificates to the office or email: student.attendance@bayside.vic.edu.au , and call the College at 9392 8608 if you wish to leave an absence message. 

College Production 2025 | 

The work is well and truly progressing for the next college production in Term 3 this year. The production team, led by Ms. Hatzikosmidis, is preparing the script, with an outline already presented to the College Council. The play is set in a modern television studio and is titled What’s on the Box? More details will follow as we get closer to the date.Last year's production, The Odyssey, was well-received, with each night fully booked and attendance high. An unknown fan reportedly nominated the production at the Bangkok Movie Awards. During one of the performances, a recording was made of the play. The award was presented to Ms. Hatzikosmidis for this film. We can officially declare that our school production has been recognized internationally. Congratulations to Ms. Hatzikosmidis, her team, and all the students who took part in the production. 

Building a Positive Relationship |

As a college, we offer a unique opportunity where many of our students are part of a 13-year journey from Foundation to Year 12. Parents/carers and school staff can have a relationship that lasts for a long time. This is an opportunity for us to develop a positive relationship in the best interests of the child. For our students who start with us in Year 7 and move through the next six years at Bayside P-12 College, this relationship is also as strong. When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn more and feel like they belong to the school. The basis of a good collaborative relationship is centred on:

• Open and honest communication
• Trust and respect
• Working together
• Fair and reasonable expectations by all.

It is important to engage in positive school environments because everyone has the right to be safe and play a shared role in being respectful. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, plays a role in making the school a better place for learning and work. I encourage all members of our school community to continue building on what is great at Bayside and work together to support your child—our student—to become the best that they can be.

Students Act for a Cleaner Future at Williamstown Beach |

A group of our community-minded Year 11 students rolled up their sleeves to participate in Clean Up Australia Day at Williamstown Beach. With gloves on and rubbish bags in hand, they worked together to remove litter, protect local wildlife, and keep this beautiful coastal area clean for everyone. 

The day was about community pride and environmental responsibility. Our students demonstrated that small actions can make a significant difference, showing leadership and caring for their local environment. The college values were evident in their actions:

• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• Be a Learner

Thank you to everyone who participated—you’ve helped make Williamstown Beach a cleaner, greener place for all.

VET Building and Construction Students at Work |

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools is a two-year program that helps students acquire workplace skills and technical proficiency while also studying for their VCE or VCE-VM. VET courses are available across many secondary schools in Australia. In the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas of Melbourne, Bayside P-12 College offers one of the largest selections for students to study.

Our Year 1 students in Building and Construction are studying one of their practical modules in laying concrete for construction purposes, while also improving a portion of the walkway. This practical module also provides a permanent improvement to an area with high student traffic at the Paisley campus.

The work they are completing involves preparing the formwork for the concrete slab to be poured for the walkway. This work must also adhere to the appropriate safety standards and specifications for this area, making it suitable for its intended purpose. 

Years 5 & 6 Interschool Sports | 

Our Years 5 and 6 students have kicked off their interschool sports season with great enthusiasm. The basketball team is having a fantastic time on the court, showing great teamwork and determination, though they are still chasing their first win. Meanwhile, the Hot Shots tennis team has had an incredible start, winning all their rounds so far. Regardless of results, all students are enjoying the experience, building skills, and displaying great sportsmanship. 

STEM Excursion | 

Our first group of Year 7 and Year 9 STEM students recently attended an engaging excursion to Wyndham Tech School, where they explored the impact of emerging technologies on the future of work. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on activities and interactive workshops that introduced them to cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital design.

As part of the program, students worked collaboratively to design creative solutions to real-world problems. Using design thinking principles, they identified challenges, brainstormed innovative ideas, and developed prototypes to address these issues. This experience not only enhanced their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills but also provided valuable insight into the evolving landscape of future careers.

The excursion was an exciting opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of technology, develop teamwork skills, and gain inspiration for future pathways in STEM-related fields.

Middle Years Leadership Day |

On February 24th, student representatives from Williamstown and Altona North Camus came together for a day of connection, leadership development, and planning for the year ahead. With 2025 on the horizon, students are gearing up for an exciting year filled with activities, fundraisers, and student-led initiatives. Stay tuned for what’s to come!