Principal's Report
Our students will be transitioning into the BE Program next week. There is a positive sense of recovery as we wrap up the final week of the 2021 classes. We know that the return to on-site learning is filled with the powerful direct and indirect interactions that develop our students social, emotional and relational skills.
Our priorities as we see out the school year and look ahead with optimism is that each student is engaged in learning with a sense of enjoyment and purpose. The attendance, wellbeing and social connection of each student is at the heart of their positive schooling experience.
The highlight of the BE program this year is the extensive VCE offerings which students have chosen. The team of teachers across all learning areas bring their extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of the various subjects. Our teachers are excited to further deepen the content knowledge, skills and understandings across all learning areas. It is an exciting time for our students as they make the transition in the BE program.
Remembrance Day
College Leaders Spencer Marshall, Margot Worthy and Ruby Murley did a wonderful job representing the college at last week’s Beaumaris RSL Remembrance Day service. Zoe Rombotis composed and delivered an outstanding and moving speech on the significance of the day.
A moving service was held over the PA system at the college to remember the sacrifice that countless people made for their country.
Stage 2 Update
The progress of Stage 2 is humming along and it is exciting to see the landscaping outside of the building beginning to take shape. The internals of the 3 levels of the Learning Hub are being finalised this week. Furniture will be delivered and put in place before the end of the year. The Activity Centre spaces which include another kitchen, theatre seating and tiered gym seating are to be finalised in January. It is great to know that students will be using our new spaces from day 1 2022.
We are looking forward to an additional outdoor space near the wetlands. The works to create the outdoor learning space on school grounds adjacent to Long Hollow Heathland will begin on Monday 29 November. The boundary fencing to be installed between the school grounds and Long Hollow Heathland will also begin. This fencing will ensure that the outdoor learning space is safe for our students and staff to utilise during the school day. It will also ensure that access is restricted for school use.
We have consulted with the Friends of Long Hollow Heathland, the Beaumaris Conservation Group and Bayside Council. We have ensured that we are minimising further impact on the flora and fauna on our school grounds. Please see the map below which indicates the school grounds and the works to be started next week. We are excited to offer this outdoor learning space to capitalise on the amazing grounds our students have access to with the bushland.
Rescheduled Curriculum Day - 7 December
Thank you for your understanding and patience as our School Council approved curriculum day was rescheduled due to the return of all students to on-site learning.
Our final Curriculum Day for 2021 has been rescheduled to Tuesday 7 December which also coincides with Year 7 2022 Orientation Day.
Teaching Excellence Program
We are delighted that two of our fabulous teachers, Josh Slocum and Melissa Casley, have been chosen for the Teacher Excellence Program beginning in 2022. The 1-year initiative further develops exceptional teachers from Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools. In an Australian-first it will provide an opportunity for highly skilled teachers from all sectors to collaborate, learn and develop their skills in service to students and communities across Victoria.
Innovation in Student Engagement
The college has been chosen to participate in Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership professional learning offering 'Innovation in Student Engagement.
This learning program is derived from the current secondary reform work here in Victoria. Specifically, the ‘Innovate - Student Engagement’ program aims to support principals, and by extension their Leadership Team, to be able design and implement practice-based interventions designed to enhance adolescent learner engagement, wellbeing, and academic achievement within their context.
Beaumaris Secondary College has been identified as doing some outstanding work in this regard. It is a wonderful recognition of our whole team in 4 years!
Debby Chaves
Principal