23 February 2024

From the Principal

Thank you to Bellbird Park State Secondary College for making me feel very welcomed since commencing as Principal this term. Stepping in for Mr Michael West, its very clear that the college has a clear vision, purpose, and a clear improvement plan to support our students to reach their fullest potential. What is also clear, in the short time I have been here, that we not only espouse our core values but live and breathe them in every aspect of school life. As I become familiar with the college (RISE) values of Respect, Integrity, Support, and Effort, I can confidently say they are not just words. They evidently shape our interactions, decisions, and aspirations, from the classrooms, to the playing fields, to the community events. These values serve as the compass that steers us toward excellence, and the many pathways available to our students.

Last week the college P&C endorsed the Annual Implementation plan for 2024, our road map to guide our work for this year, including some of our aspiration targets. I encourage you to take a look at our AIP for 2024, by clicking on the link on the front page of the college website. Our key statement that supports our work this year is to increase the proportion of students receiving a C or better in all subjects. This has been a topic of discussion in our year level assemblies this year, as I ask reflective questions to students around this very statement.

I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every Year 7 student and family, as you embark on this exciting journey with us. The transition to secondary school marks a significant milestone in your educational journey, we are honoured to have you join us. What has been pleasing as I visit classrooms is the way our Year 7 students have settled, connected with peers and their teachers, whilst remaining focused on their learning.

A highlight so far was attending the Awards night which was held on Tuesday evening, as we came together to honour the remarkable achievements of our students. The night served as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and talent that abounds within our school community. From academic excellence to outstanding contributions in sports, arts, culture, and community service, our students showcased their diverse talents and made us all very proud. Thank you to our students, families, staff, and special guests that attended and a huge congratulations to all our award recipients including the 2023 College Junior Dux, Zebastian and Senior Dux, Aaron. Aaron has now gone on to study Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Design at The University of Queensland.

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Thank you to all our families for supporting the new ‘away for the day’ policy. I understand there was consultation with students last year on the policy, and the details of the policy. Our students have welcomed the policy, and it has been fantastic to see increased face to face interactions between students at break times. Another positive impact to the policy is the fact that it is promoting students to not be distracted throughout the day. 

The P&C AGM will be held on Monday, 11March from 6:30pm at the college, and also remotely using Teams. Any parents who would like to join the P&C please email PandC@bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au. The P&C support the college in various ways, and are certainly looking for keen, and enthusiast members.

It has been a very busy start to the year with a number of events and opportunities for students to engage with. Our Facebook page continues to be the platform to share our key messages, showcasing student successes, celebrations and opportunities.

Good luck Year 7 and 9 students as NAPLAN takes place in Weeks 8 and 9.

Mr Ben Jack
Principal

From the Associate Principal

At BPSSC we have an Assessment Policy to support engagement in teaching, learning and assessment from Years 7-12. In the senior phase of learning (Year 10-12) our policy aligns very closely to the assessment policies and procedures released by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). For Year 10-12 the key pieces of information are as follows:

• Drafts and final assessments must be submitted through the mode outlined on the front of the assessment task cover sheet.
• Students are entitled to submit one draft only.
• Drafting is mandatory and students are to submit a full and complete draft on the due date to ensure all students receive effective and appropriate feedback.
• Teachers are not required to provide feedback to students on drafts that are submitted after the due date.
• A final copy of written assessments, with the task, draft and cover sheet attached, is to be submitted by 4.00pm on the due date unless otherwise stated on the assessment task sheet.
• Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARAs) are granted to minimise, where possible the barriers for a student whose disability, impairment, medical condition or other circumstances may affect their ability to read, respond to or participate in assessment. AARAs include Extension applications.

• Late assessments will not be marked without an approved extension application. This application must be completed and submitted a minimum of 2 days before the due date for it to be reviewed by a member of the Senior Schooling team. In cases where students do not submit a response to an assessment by the due date, judgements will be made using evidence available on or before the due date.

How do I apply for a Senior AARA?

1. Make an appointment to see the Guidance Officer (GO), Head of Senior Schooling (HSS) or Deputy as soon as possible before the due date.
2. Complete the AARA Application (p24) of the College Assessment Policy including parent or caregiver signature and submit it to the GO, HSS or DP-SS – a minimum of 2 weeks (long term condition) or 2 days (unexpected reason) before the due date. Make sure you include:
   -medical certificates or any other documentation (e.g. family bereavement notice, court order)
   - the work you have completed up to that time
3. The GO, HSS or DP-SS will communicate via email to you, your parent/caregiver and your teacher your AARA approval and new due date, or that your AARA is not approved and that you need to meet the original due date.

• Students who are absent on the due date due to illness, sporting commitments etc. must make arrangements to submit the assessment to the college prior to 4:00pm on due date. This can be done by emailing the assessment to the classroom teacher or uploading to DayMap. If you are away on the day an assessment is due:

Please take the time to read the full policy here to avoid any issues with submission of assessment. Any queries please contact 3819 7222 or email a member of the senior schooling team.

 
Mrs Carla Pantano
Associate Principal

Deputies Corner

Strong Start to the Year

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all new families who have joined the Bellbird Park community in 2024 and a welcome back to all those who have returned. I hope that the start of the New Year has gone smoothly for your families and that students are now in a routine with school and other commitments.

We all realise that the beginning of a school year can be tough for some students and families. There will be new teachers, new curriculum and routines. The best way to start this school year is to focus on aspects you have control over rather than what you can’t change. So, we can focus on getting out of bed on time, packing your bag the night before, catching up on any missed work and most importantly asking questions. Parents and carers can help the students by connecting with the teachers. This can be easily done through emails. It is vital that students come to school prepared for learning. This means separate books for each subject, pens, ruler and other equipment needed for subjects.

Our relentless focus on quality teaching and learning will continue in 2024. Students will be given the Success Criteria in some subjects so they can self-assess their knowledge. Teachers will be checking for understanding strategies to gauge the progress of our students at various junctures of unit. Teachers at Bellbird Park will identify exactly what needs to be addressed for our students to maximise their learning. At Bellbird Park, the journey to improve students reading, writing and numeracy skills will continue.

One of our strategic priorities at Bellbird Park is to increase outcomes for all students through our pedagogical framework. Our students are explicitly taught positive learning behaviours in the classroom to become Successful Learners.

How Can You Support Your Child at Home?

Here are some questions that you could ask at home to support your child’s learning:

• Are you organised for school?
• Do you have all the equipment needed to be ready to learn?
• What learning goals are you working towards for writing / reading / mathematics?
• What are you working on in order to improve?  Did you have any success today?
• Who are you asking for help when you don’t understand?
• Do you have any questions that you can ask your teacher tomorrow?

Junior Secondary Improvement

In 2024, Bellbird Park has a relentless focus to lift outcomes for our students in Junior Secondary through quality teaching and learning practices. We believe in high expectations, high engagement and high support for all our students to become successful learners. Parents and carers are encouraged to help students by staying organised. One of the many ways, we help students with organization is by using the Assessment Planner. A copy of junior assessment planner can be found here.

Ms Gouri Sharma
Deputy Principal Year 7

Welcome back to another year at Bellbird Park State Secondary College! The Year 8 team hope everyone has had a fantastic break and are ready to dive into all the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead.

Year 8 is a pivotal time for students to explore new subjects, develop new skills, and discover passions. Year 8 is also about fostering a culture of learning, growth, and responsibility within each student. This year is the introduction of the Phoenix Passport which is designed to help students set and track goals as they take ownership of their learning.  A key aspect of the Passport is Growth Coaching. This is an individualised conversation between the teacher and student in Wellbeing lessons to help guide students towards achieving their goals – both academic and personal.  We are excited to see how students move towards achieving their potential.

I am pleased to see many students have returned to the College ready to learn by having all of their equipment, wearing the full uniform correctly and attending all classes on time. There are a few students who are not fully meeting these expectations – particularly around jewellery. If you are unsure of the uniform expectations, the full uniform policy can be found here..

I am also really impressed with how the Year 8 students have been complying with the Personal Device Policy.  For the majority, phones have been away and out of sight for the day! As a reminder, the phone policy can be found here.

I have no doubt that each Year 8 student will accomplish amazing things this year. I wish them a fantastic year filled with growth, success, and endless possibilities!

NAPLAN

From 13 March to 19 March students in Years 7 and Year 9 will complete NAPLAN testing. This will be in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term. This year, Year 7 students will undertake their assessment using their own BYOx device. Students in Year 9 will use a computer lab with the exception of 9E who will also complete the assessment on their BYOx device. Please make sure laptops are charged and ready each day during this period. There is no need for students to bring their own headphones, these will be provided by the school to ensure they are compatible for test requirements. 

If you would like further information about NAPLAN, please click this link to view information for parents/carers or you can refer to the NAPLAN website which has a lot of useful information.

Ms Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal Year 8

It is with great pleasure that I welcome the class of 2027 back to the new school year. I am excited to be reunited with the cohort following their transition into high school in 2022. The commencement of the academic year has been marked by the successful start to the school year for the students who have shown their dedication and enthusiasm for learning.

In our pursuit of academic excellence, we aim to cultivate a community of ambitious learners, with each student able to demonstrate growth and success. It is crucial to recognise that attendance is an integral aspect of each learner's journey. Consistent attendance lays the groundwork for active engagement and participation, providing a solid foundation for academic success. To parents and guardians, your support in instilling punctuality and regular attendance in your child contributes immensely to their positive educational experience.

Beyond attendance, our commitment extends to supporting every student in their journey of growth and success. Active engagement in class discussions, effort in completing assignments, and a willingness to seek support contributes to the development of each student. Families, we encourage you to maintain open communication with teachers and our wellbeing teams. This year we aim to empower every Year 9 student to realise their full potential, fostering not only academic success but also personal and character development.

We are looking forward to a successful year as the cohort completes their final year of their Junior Secondary journey.

Ms Melissa Fields
Deputy Principal Year 9

I am beyond thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news with all of you – that I am the new Deputy Principal for Year 10 and 11 under the Senior Schooling portfolio. As a foundation staff member at Bellbird Park State Secondary College, I am filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the positive impact I intend to bring to our school community in the Senior Schooling Phase of Learning.

The senior years of high school mark a transformative period in the lives of our students, and at Bellbird Park State Secondary College, we recognise and celebrate the profound importance of this crucial phase in their educational journey.
 
 

1. Shaping Future Leaders:
Senior Schooling serves as the breeding ground for the leaders of tomorrow. It is during these years that students refine their academic skills, discover their passions, and cultivate the qualities that will mold them into responsible, forward-thinking individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

2. College to Career Transition:
At Bellbird Park State Secondary College, we understand that the transition from high school to higher education or the workforce is a significant milestone. Senior Schooling plays a pivotal role in preparing our students for this transition by offering guidance, support, and the necessary skill set to confidently navigate their chosen paths.

3. Holistic Development:
Beyond academic achievements, Senior Schooling at our college emphasizes holistic development. We are committed to nurturing not only the intellectual but also the social, emotional, and physical aspects of our students. Through a range of extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and community engagement, we aim to produce well-rounded individuals poised for success.

4. Personalized Learning:
Recognizing the diverse strengths and interests of our students, Bellbird Park State Secondary College places a strong emphasis on personalised learning during the senior years. Tailored programs, mentorship opportunities, and a variety of academic pathways ensure that each student can pursue their unique goals and aspirations.

5. Building Resilience and Confidence:
Senior Schooling provides challenges that build resilience and foster confidence in our students. By encouraging them to tackle complex problems, make informed decisions, and learn from setbacks, we empower them to face the uncertainties of the future with courage and determination.

As we navigate the academic year, let us embrace the importance of Senior Schooling at Bellbird Park State Secondary College. Together, we can inspire, support, and guide our students through this pivotal phase of their educational journey, laying the foundation for a future filled with success and fulfillment.

Mr Jason English
Deputy Principal Year 10 & 11

Administration Matters

Food for Thought

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Student Resource Scheme:

Invoices for the Student Resource Scheme have been emailed out to your nominated email address. Full payment of the fees are due by Friday, 1 March 2024. If you would like to commence a payment plan, please contact the main administration office on 38197222 before the due date. If you receive a Centrelink benefit we can also set up a fortnightly deduction to assist you with payment of the fees. Statements were emailed last Friday and payment of the fees can be made via BPoint using the URL link on the bottom of the statement.

Early Departure Procedures

As our College continues to grow, it is important that our processes are regularly reviewed.  As a result having an Early Departure Process is essential to limit the amount of disruption to classrooms. Bellbird Park State Secondary College values Teaching and Learning and we encourage this process for all of the term. To assist with this, we ask that parents and carers follow the below process for early departures to avoid disruptions to student learning. The Administration Staff will only make phone calls to the classrooms when it is an emergency situation.  Parents / Carers who arrive during class time without prior arrangement will have to wait until the next scheduled break.

What do I need?

• A note in your student’s diary written by the Parent/Carer

What do I do?

• Your student hands the note into Student Services by 8.40am and receives a Leave Request Pass.
• Your student shows their class teacher the Leave Request Pass at the beginning of their lesson and leaves the class quietly at the pre-arranged time.

When I leave?

• Your student waits at Student Services until the Parent/Carer arrives at the Main Administration Office. The student is then signed out and departs the College with the Parent/Carer.

What else would help?

• Leave during break times
• Book appointments for before/after school or during the school holiday periods where possible.
  

Early Departure due to Illness:

A parent or the nominated emergency contact will be notified via phone call that their child needs to be collected due to illness.  The student needs to be collected as soon as possible from the Administration Building. For the health and safety of the student we cannot allow the student to be released and meet the nominated contact in the carpark. The authorised person will need to come and safely collect their student from the Administration Foyer. Your assistance with this is appreciated.

Head of Year Report

Our Year 8 students commenced the school year with vigour and enthusiasm. They have settled into their new class routines and are to be congratulated for presenting each morning, ready to learn and proudly wearing the Bellbird Park State Secondary College uniform.

Goals, goal setting and the pathways, both easy and difficult, leading to successful goal obtainments, are very important learning steps for students. Having positive and obtainable goals will help students to discover successful learning skills and strategies, build their resilience and perseverance and provide them with joy, pride and satisfaction of achieving success.

During Pathways lessons, students have been discussing and formulating their individual S.M.A.R.T academic and social goals for Semester One and preparing for Growth Conferencing in Weeks 6 and 7. Furthermore, they have been working together to form class goals which promote positive school and community relationships. Please discuss your child’s goals with them and encourage them to continually strive to make the best learning choices and to achieve at their optimum levels.

As well as working together towards achieving their set goals, our Year 8 students will be scheduling study times to complete, and submit, various drafts and assessments to teachers. The assessment calendar has been emailed home and is available on the school website should you require a copy.

At times, students may require extra time, guidance and support to successfully complete their subject tasks and assessments. If your child needs assistance, our Year 8 team members are readily available to help students and their families overcome barriers. The afterschool Homework Centre is also available to those who require it.

Many students have already received Integrity Awards this year because they have upheld the R.I.S E Expectations. They have worn the full College uniform, respected the learning of other students and classes and celebrated the success of others. The R.I.S.E Expectations are explicitly taught each lesson, each day. All students and their families can review the R.I.S.E Expectations in the Student Diary.  If students have further questions regarding the R.I.S.E Expectations, we ask them to actively speak with their Pathways teacher.

What is Kindness? Kindness costs nothing and every small act of kindness has big impacts. Kindness can be shown in many, many ways. Kindness can be a smile, a “please” and “thank you” or helping someone in need. Last Thursday, Year 8 Celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day (RAK). How wonderful it was to see our students displaying acts of kindness including, gratitude to teachers by listening and being attentive in class, giving encouragement to their peers while playing games, showing politeness to canteen staff with a please and thank you and showing RISE in their school environment by keeping the classrooms and playground tidy. These Acts of Kindness are happening every day at Bellbird Park State Secondary College and are seen and noted. Thank you to those students who role model kindness and inspire others to be kind and caring.  

Bellbird Park State Secondary College offers a number of co - curricular and extra - curricular activities. Whether students are passionate abouts sports, music, science or simply want to try something new or be involved in a team, there is an activity waiting for them.  They are reminded to listen to roll mark notices each day to hear what is available, or speak with RISE representative or ask their Pathways teacher for information required.

Student Support

Thank You and Farewell

As I leave to embark on the next chapter, it brings me great sadness to leave behind such deadly jarjums, my Culture Hub family, an amazing team, supportive management and a great school all round! Throughout the years, many things have been accomplished. The biggest I pride myself on is the relationships created. I was lucky enough to be able to get to know some amazing kids and amazing families who brought so much joy to my life. These relationships are something I will cherish forever. 

Bellbird Park SSC has done an amazing job over the years, in building a strong First Nations foundation within the school, that provides a platform to see our First Nations students thrive in. Through the inclusivity and working relationship between the school and First Nations staff, Bellbird has been given the opportunity to excel in this space and continue to journey in learning more.  Through continuous yarns and awareness, Bellbird has given and shown value to its First Nations space.  I truly believe, this acts as a ripple effect to the wider areas of the school and outwards into the community.  None of this would be achievable without the amazing jarjums, who are TOO deadly.  I say this with the utmost confidence, as they have proved over and over again, through their determination, resilience and motivation, that they are more than capable.

Our students have an inspirational desire to discover more about their culture and to empower others along the way.  I wish Bellbird Park SSC the very best and just know that as a school, you are in good hands.  Not only by the community, support staff and the wonderful Melissa Fields and Leanne Buller but by our students.  They are who makes it all possible.  Their wonderful spirits and resilient minds, I have no doubt they will take care of the school and continue building their legacy. I have been blessed to have come across a phenomenal school with some pretty amazing people.  I will miss you all and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, for giving me one of the best experiences of my life. 

Tyeka Close
Community Education Counsellor