Principal's Report 

“Acts of sacrifice and decency without regard to what's in it for you create a ripple effect. Ones that lift up families and communities, that spread opportunity.”   Barack Obama

The words of Obama resonate today as we consider the sacrifice of lockdowns on our daily lives. The benefits of looking beyond just our own individual needs will benefit our whole community. We need to remind ourselves that there are circumstances in our current pandemic that are challenging but how we respond as families and a community has a ripple effect that is felt amongst our children. The ability to provide them with a sense of safety that comes from the routine and predictability of our continuity of care and learning during remote and flexible learning is vital.

I am grateful for the support of parents/carers and the continued effort of our students at a time when motivation has been difficult for some to sustain. I commend the staff for continuing to come up with creative ways to engage our students and trust that you will enjoy 'The Masked Dancer' clip on the following page. Hopefully, students will enjoy the break from screens as they participate in the Wednesday afternoon for our 'House Activities Extravaganza'!

In preparation for the return to onsite learning, which of course we hope is sooner rather than later, the following article may be of interest.

Stage 2 Building Update

The project is moving along at an amazing pace. The bike shed by the Multipurpose Pitch has been completed and we are awaiting bike racks. They have just begun the third bike shed just on Reserve Road. With the additional bike storage, we should be able to accommodate most of our cyclists on-site. We should have a virtual fly-through video available prior to the end of term. We will share this once it has been finalised. I am very confident that the Stage 2 will be ready for us to use at the start of 2022.

2021 NAPLAN Results

The 2021 NAPLAN results were released last week and despite the challenges over the last 18 months, the results are a testament to the wonderful job that everyone has done. David Howes, Deputy Secretary DET, said 'Victoria’s comparative performance, as the jurisdiction most impacted by lockdowns in 2020, is nothing short of extraordinary'. 

We are confident that the continuity of care and learning will be evident in the NAPLAN growth of our students. The following article features one of our families.

Individual NAPLAN results will be mailed home this week.

Showcasing our College

EduTECH Presentation - Transformational Learning Spaces

I recently presented at this year’s virtual EduTECH. EduTECH brings together educators and solution providers to exchange and explore ideas, techniques and technology, with the aim of improving teaching, training and learning and raising the education standards in Australia and the world. 

School Choice - Beaumaris Secondary College Listing

We are now listed on the School Choice website, an online resource that complements the 'Choosing a School for Your Child' magazine. School Choice provides parents with the best possible information and advice regarding their child’s education.

Anxiety Webinar - FREE for BSC Parents/carers 

I encourage families to take advantage of the free 'Anxiety in your Child' webinar, to be presented by Dr Justin Coulson, on Wednesday 8 September at 7.30pm (also available for 7 days after the event). Anxiety is a common mental health problem in both children and adults and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have purchased a whole school licence to equip families with strategies to help curb anxiety, build confidence and restore resilience. 

GOAL Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Thank you to the many parents who engaged in Semester 1 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews. Our partnership with parents and students is the foundation of our success. I would also like to thank our teachers who collectively conducted hundreds of conversations during the conference period.

2022 Courses 

The number of specialisms and VCE subjects running in 2022 is a strong indication of the breadth of interests that exist in our school community. The timetable is designed to maximise student choices. Students in Year 9, 10 and 11 will receive their courses in the coming week.

Curriculum Day - Friday 29 October

Our final Curriculum Day for 2021 will be held on Friday 29 October. This will be a pupil-free day.

Like everyone, I am eagerly awaiting the return of staff and students to onsite teaching and learning. Stay safe and well.

Debby Chaves

Principal