Principal's Report 

“The conception of education as a social process and function has no definite meaning until we define the kind of society we have in mind.” Dewey

Our college expresses the identity, values and aspirations of a society that the Beaumaris community represents. We are ensuring inclusion, access and choice for all learners.  We see this as students prepare for the INNOVATE & PBL Expo on 14 June. 

The Expo night was set up for students to showcase their innovations and real-world applications. This gives parents the opportunity to see the young entrepreneurs present their ideas. We created a hypothetical investment opportunity for parents, who can ask students about their innovations and make decisions about how they would invest their money in the ideas presented. 

It is an exciting night for the parents and the students. It is a glimpse into the future our students can create with knowledge, skills and understanding. The society that “we have in mind” is made up of critical and creative thinkers who have strong personal and social skills that are underpinned by ethical judgement. Our students are the future of our society and this showcase highlights their thinking.  

National Reconciliation Week

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is Be a Voice for Generations. 

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all. National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

School Review

Our 4 year Strategic Review was completed this past week. An external reviewer led the review panel made up of a Professor from the University of Melbourne and another secondary school Principal who spent 3 days on the process. They held focus groups with students, staff and parents as well as reviewing policies, data and curriculum. It was a very thorough approach to developing our next Strategic Plan. 

The panel were impressed with the quality of teaching and learning across the college. They identified the GOAL mentors and program as a significant highlight and point of difference. We are proud of the culture we have developed and how our students are wonderful ambassadors of all that Beaumaris provides to students. We look forward to sharing more details when the report is available in Term 3.

Community Connections

We were pleased to be able to support the very successful Neighbourhood Watch 3193 ‘Safety Sense’ Community Forum which was held at the college recently. We are continuing toworkwith our local organisations and be outward facing as a college. The use of the college spaces in the manner intended really connects us to the broader community with these events.  

We were also thrilled to be able to support the wonderful work of the Bayside Community Emergency Relief by putting together 200 toiletry packs for the homeless thanks to our Year 11 VCE Vocational Major students. 

Thank you to the Parents’ Association for organising the upcoming Year Level Social Nights. We hope that many parents take up the opportunity to connect and build community with others at the college.

Debby Chaves

Principal