A very special welcome to our incoming 2022 Year 7 families who may be reading our newsletter for the first time. We are very much looking forward to meeting you on Thursday night (6pm, 16 September) at our Information Evening, albeit in a virtual capacity. This will mark the first of many interactions with your family as our partnership with parents and students is the foundation of our success.

Although ‘R U OK? Day’ was marked nationally on 9 September, it features on the front of our newsletter as a reminder that it is more important than ever for us to continue to ask our friends, family and colleagues, ‘Are you REALLY OK?’, which is this year’s message. Once again, I encourage you to reach out to your GOAL Mentor should your child require further support.

The upcoming school holidays will provide a break from the intensity of online learning and hopefully give everyone the opportunity to recharge for the final term of 2021.

Staffing Update

Congratulations to Sarah Keating on her appointment to Port Melbourne Secondary College (aka Fishermen’s Bend). There are mixed emotions as I make this announcement. I am delighted for Sarah and the role she will play in developing another new school, this time as an Assistant Principal. However, I am saddened that a foundation member of our Beaumaris family is leaving. Sarah has left her imprint on every aspect of the college as a leader since the start. She has been a coach and mentor to all our staff as the only leading teacher at the college for over 2 years. As a community, we wish Sarah all the best for this exciting next step in her career.

Teacher Selection Process

In order to appoint the best possible teachers, we have a rigorous selection process and, as in all areas of our college, students play a part in this as well. I would like to thank the students who have been involved in a number of Teacher Selection Processes over the past few weeks as we appoint teachers in preparation for 2022 when we become a Year 7 – 11 college.

Random Act of Kindness & Participation

During our recent technology-free 'House Activities Extravaganza' afternoon, some very kind students/siblings baked brownies for the 'Beauie Bake Off' and delivered them to the school the following morning, to share with our onsite staff.

It has been fabulous to see so many students getting involved in our many House competitions, the winners of which are included in this newsletter, along with the many high calibre entries that were received.

Stage 2 Building Update

The building works are moving along very well. The Learning Hub extension is at lockup stage, with final painting occurring on Level 2. Without students on-site, they have been able to complete the breakthrough works into the existing part of the college. The extension to the Activity Centre is on track, with the concrete works complete and the roof on. They have finalised the new bike shed between the Pavilion and the Multipurpose Pitch. The builders have been working on the Reserve Road bike shed, located adjacent to the Multipurpose Pitch just off the footpath, along with the bin store at the corner of the car park.

We are working with the Friends of Long Hollow Heathland and the Beaumaris Conservation Society to plan the boundary fencing at the western end of the school by the wetlands. There are a number of factors that we are taking into consideration. Our plan is to mitigate any impact the fence may have on the flora and fauna while ensuring a safe outdoor learning space for our students.

We are excited to share the following video that provides a visual of the Stage 2 build. The additional learning spaces for our students are terrific. Our new senior spaces will provide our Year 11 and 12 students of the future with ample room for study.

Professional Learning

Throughout the year, including during remote learning, staff participate in Professional Learning every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school hours. As educators, we too are lifelong learners. Many topics have been covered in Term 3 including:

Neuroscience of Learning
3D Printer
21CLD – Self Regulation, Collaboration & Skilled Communication
Positive Behaviour Management
VCE Notebook
Deeper Learning
Supporting Students with Additional Needs
Embedding Sustainability in the Curriculum

Once again, I would like to thank families for their ongoing support throughout another challenging term which reflects the times we are living in today. Included below, is an article for your interest.

As communicated on Compass last week, we will have an early finish of 12.30pm on the last day of term (Friday 17 September).

I hope that everyone has the opportunity to take a well-deserved break and enjoy some quality family time. I encourage everyone to be outside and active as much as possible. I look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 4 October - hopefully in person.

Debby Chaves

Principal

Ancient Civilisations PBL