28 March 2024

From the Principal

As the term comes to a close, Bellbird Park State Secondary College reflects on an amazing term of student engagement and achievement. It has been impressive to see the commitment from staff and students to ensure we are all aiming for academic growth and success. Classrooms have been calm and orderly as end of term assessment is completed, and students have been very much focused on study, and displaying outstanding effort. A big thank you to all our Year 7 and 9 students and staff involved in NAPLAN over the last week. Our students have approached NAPLAN with a positive attitude and engaged well.

Beyond the classroom, Bellbird Park students have excelled in various sports and extracurricular activities this term. Whether it's on the field, the court, or on the stage, students have demonstrated teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. These achievements not only bolster our school spirit but also instil important life skills, such as resilience, that will serve students well beyond their school years.

I want to inform our community that Ms Gouri Sharma our current Year 7 Deputy Principal, is leaving us at the end of the term, to pursue an opportunity at another school. Ms Sharma has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the welfare and success of both students, and staff, being a mentor and support to many teachers, particularly our beginning teachers. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Please follow our Facebook page as it is our platform to share our key messages, showcasing student successes, celebrations and opportunities.

Looking forward to next term, there are some notable whole school events, including our ANZAC service, Culture Night, College Open Afternoons, and Kokoda Challenge, just to name a few.

To all our families, have an enjoyable, safe and restful break.                                                     

Mr Ben Jack
Principal

Deputies Corner

Students have made it to the last week of Term 1 and it has taken some hard work to get here. Sometimes we have to do work that isn’t what we love doing but it is all part of a journey that makes us better learners and better people. At the end of each term, I encourage students to reflect on their journey and think about one thing they are most proud of. It could be their better academic achievement, better effort in class, an act of kindness or their mateship.

Year 7 is a significant milestone in your student’s educational journey as they transition into high school. The Year 7 team is committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment that fosters academic growth, personal development, and a sense of belonging. In Term 1, Year 7s have successfully transitioned to high school. We celebrated Year 7 orientation week where students learned the Ways of working at Bellbird Park. This term, Year 7s have shown so much growth, not only in their academic but also their social and emotional skills. Making new friends, learning classroom expectations, establishing new learning routines and managing their time are some of the topics we covered in our wellbeing lessons. Most importantly, our students were explicitly taught about EMPATHY and the importance of being kind to each other.

It is hard to believe that these students have now completed their first term of high school. As we go into Term 2, I ask the students to keep sight of your goals and work towards them as you continue to learn and grow.

Keep striving for greatness and challenge yourself to be better each day.

I would like to inform you that I have accepted the position of Deputy Principal at another school and will be leaving Bellbird Park State Secondary College at the end of Term 1. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with mixed emotions. While I am sad to say goodbye to the wonderful students, families, and colleagues I have had the privilege of working with, I am also excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead for me. This decision was made after careful thought and consideration of what is best for both myself and my family. I am immensely grateful for the support and cooperation you have shown me during my time here. I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of being part of the Bellbird Park Community. It has been an honour and a joy to be a part of the educational journey of the students.

Ms Gouri Sharma
Deputy Principal Year 7

Term 1 has been fantastic at Bellbird for Year 8s.  Across the past 10 weeks, students have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence with many students making significant strides in their learning journeys towards academic success. From setting goals in their Phoenix Passports, to cashing in PBL stamps at reward days to participating in ‘Week 8 is Great’ Activities, Year 8 students are really settling into school routines.

Significant achievements for the Year 8s include: Over 50 students received academic awards; 130 Positive Postcards sent and over 2000 PBL stamps cashed-in. This shows just how amazing our students are both academically and putting in their best efforts to be productive members of the College community.

We are excited about what Term 2 will bring as we start to develop students’ leadership skills within Wellbeing lessons.  There are more opportunities for students to demonstrate these skills with activities such as: Culture Night, ANZAC Ceremonies, Kokoda, Reader’s Cup and Athletics Carnival. I encourage every student to seek out these opportunities to grow and extend themselves outside of the classroom.

I thank each and every member of our school community for your contributions, dedication, and support throughout Term 1. Together, let us continue to inspire, empower, and uplift our students as we embark on Term 2. 

Have a safe and relaxing holiday.

Ms Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal Year 8

As we bid farewell to Term 1, it's time to applaud the remarkable efforts and unwavering enthusiasm demonstrated by our Year 9 cohort. Their commitment to learning has been nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements.

One notable milestone accomplished this term was the successful completion of NAPLAN assessments. Despite the challenges, our students showed outstanding engagement, reflecting their dedication to academic excellence. This accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of our dedicated staff members, who worked tirelessly to guide and motivate our students every step of the way.

In addition to academic achievements, our focus on student wellbeing has remained a top priority. Throughout the term, students continued their journey with Phoenix Passports during wellbeing lessons, fostering personal growth and resilience.

A highlight of this term was the series of special presentations tailored specifically for our Year 9 cohort. Ms Egan delivered a thought-provoking Empathy presentation, encouraging students to cultivate empathy in their daily lives. Furthermore, Ms Harvey's engaging lessons during Empathy Week provided invaluable insights and opportunities for reflection.

The Empathy banner initiative truly showcased the depth of compassion within our school community. Students were invited to share their thoughts on fostering kindness and empathy, igniting meaningful discussions and fostering a culture of empathy throughout the school.

Amidst academic endeavours and wellbeing initiatives, our students have shown exceptional dedication to their learning and assessment processes. Many have set ambitious goals for themselves, recognising the importance of laying a solid foundation for future endeavours, including potential part-time employment opportunities.

As we approach the well-deserved holiday break, I urge all students to take this time to recharge and rejuvenate. Whether it's spending time with loved ones or pursuing personal interests, prioritise self-care to return refreshed and ready to conquer Term 2.

Congratulations to Year 9 for a successful Term 1. Your perseverance, enthusiasm, and empathy have truly made a difference in our school community. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday break, and I look forward to seeing you all back, ready to embark on the next chapter of our academic journey together.

Ms Melissa Fields
Deputy Principal Year 9

As we bid farewell to the first term of the academic year, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible Year 10 and Year 11 students and their families for their unwavering dedication and support.

Behind every successful student is a supportive family, and I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the parents and guardians who have supported their child. Your encouragement, guidance, and involvement in your child's education have been invaluable.

Tips for Conversations About Report Cards – Year 11 Students

As we approach the distribution of report cards for our Year 11 students (and also Year 12), I understand that it can be a time filled with anticipation and sometimes anxiety for both students and parents. Here are a few tips to help facilitate productive conversations about report cards:

Focus on Effort and Progress: Instead of solely focusing on grades, celebrate the effort and progress your child has made since Year 10. Acknowledge their hard work and dedication in overcoming challenges and striving for improvement.

Set Realistic Expectations: Encourage open communication by setting realistic expectations together with your child. Discuss their strengths and areas for growth, and establish goals for the upcoming term that are achievable and motivating.

Provide Constructive Feedback: Approach discussions about areas needing improvement with constructive feedback and encouragement. Offer support and resources to help your child address any challenges they may be facing, whether it's seeking additional help from teachers or implementing effective study strategies.

Celebrate Achievements: Take the time to celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how big or small. Recognise their accomplishments and strengths, and remind them that success comes in many forms beyond academic achievements.

Encourage Reflection and Goal-Setting: Encourage your child to reflect on their performance and identify areas where they can improve. Guide them in setting specific, achievable goals for the next term, and support them in creating a plan of action to work towards those goals.

As we look forward to the rest of the academic year, let us continue to work together as a community to nurture the growth and success of our students. Thank you once again for your unwavering support, and here's to a promising Term 2 ahead!

Mr Jason English
Deputy Principal Year 10 & 11

We are very proud of the Year 12s and the wonderful start to the 2024 school year they have had. I am very much looking forward to seeing their report cards. Thank you to parents and guardians for your support this term.  

This week Year 12s were given the attached letter. This letter includes information about Graduation Week, including Senior Formal, Mystery Bus Tour and Graduation.

As per the letter, we are incredibly excited to hold our Formal at the Ipswich Civic Centre this year, which is the same venue as the Graduation.

We will release more information about these events later in the year. For now, Year 12s have been reminded of the pre-requisites that are required for them to be eligible for Formal and Mystery Bus Tour (both extra curricular activities) as per the following:

• 90%+ yearly attendance rate
• On track to receive QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education)
• Up to date with VET (Vocational Education and Training) competencies and work placements
• Satisfactory effort and behaviour as a minimum in all classes
• Positive behaviour in and around college grounds (if you receive two RISE Room referrals or an external suspension in Term 3 you may be ineligible to attend the formal/MBT)
• Evidence of ongoing compliance with the College Uniform Policy
• All school fee payments are up to date (i.e. payment plans to be set up in advance and payments made in accordance with the plan).

Furthermore, we suggest you contact the office to discuss school fees if there is a substantial amount outstanding to ensure your student is on track to attend.  

Mrs Carla Pantano
Deputy Principal Year 12 / Associate Principal

Administration Matters

Away for the Day Policy

As a reminder, from day 1 of 2024 all students are to have their devices away (not seen or heard) from the first bell at 8.40am until the end of learning at 2.50pm - including both lunch breaks. To view the policy and frequently asked questions for parents and students please click here.

From the Head of Department – Teaching and Learning

How can you know if your student is on track?

Ask: Can they articulate what a successful response looks like?

One of the greatest indicators that a student is on-track with their learning is whether they can describe in a specific way what success looks like for a given subject or task. Students who can do this don’t need to wonder whether they’ve passed or not; they know what they need to do for a C, a B or an A, and they can say with confidence whether they’ve achieved it or not.

Every Assessment task comes with a Task Sheet (These can be found each term on Daymap or your student’s class OneNote). Task sheets have a Marking Guide on the back which lists all the skills and knowledge that a student is graded on, and describes what this skill looks like at different levels of achievement.

If you want to know whether your student understands what they need to do to be successful, then a good test of this is to ask whether they can answer the following questions:

1. What skills and/or knowledge have you practiced this term?
2. How do you need to use these skills in your assessment?
3. What does an ‘A’ response do differently to a ‘C’ response?

If they can answer these questions, it’s a good indication that they understand how to succeed in that subject or task.

If they struggle to explain these, then it’s worth them taking the time to sit down with their task sheet (they’re also provided with a simplified, student-friendly version of it by their teachers) and write out the skills and content that it outlines.

Taking some time in the evening to ask your student this, or giving them the opportunity to work it out, can be a powerful learning strategy, as it helps them develop the skills to become proactive drivers of their own success. It doesn’t just give them a skill for schooling, but an approach and a mindset for success in life.

Mr Benjamin Turnour
Head of Teaching and Learning

Head of Year Report

Year 7

The new date has been set for the Year 7 Team Building Incursion by Vertec Adventure. As you may know, we’ve had to reschedule from the previous date due to wet weather. The new date is Tuesday, 7 May 2024. All families have been sent a new permission form via email and students have been given a hardcopy. These need to be signed and returned to student services, at the front office as soon as possible. Please note, there is no additional cost other than the original $20. If you have already paid, great! If not, that is ok too. Families will be invoiced at a later date.

Mr Ramon Carreon
Head of Year - Year 7

Year 8           

Year 8 teachers understand the importance of providing safe and caring environments for all students. They consistently plan and present stimulating and creative thinking and learning activities that meet the social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs of their students. In “Week 8 is Great”, Year 8 students engaged in number of a collaborative, student-centred activities and are looking forward to even more exciting and enriching activities and problems to be solved in Term Two.

As we enter the holiday period it is important students reflect on their learning experiences and goals. This will allow them to celebrate successes, take ownership of their learning and share their experiences and reflections with their family and community.

Holiday time provides an excellent opportunity for students to further engage in community-based activities that reflect their goals, interests and needs. These added social interactions will allow them to build their self-confidence, engage in further learning opportunities and learn to appreciate and respect their own individuality and diversity.

We are planning and looking forward to a busy Term 2 where students once again will be encouraged to do their best and diligently engage in all the learning and wellbeing opportunities presented to them. It is an expectation that they will have respect for, and pride in Bellbird Park State Secondary College and continually uphold its values and its RISE expectations. Through fostering these guiding principles will further allow our students to positively connect with their school community, develop respect and empathy and make a positive difference for all.

Ms Pippa West
Head of Year - Year 8

Harmony Day Celebrations

Last week a group of our senior students had the privilege to witness and participate in the amazing Harmony Day performances and celebrations at Kruger State School on Thursday and Goodna State School on Friday. Our students were able to represent their own and embrace other cultures by performing for and with students from these wonderful schools. A huge thank you Kruger and Goodna State schools for your welcoming invitation. 

Mr Shannon Turner
HPE/Rugby League Teacher/Cultural Coordinator

Sports Update

Bellbird Park students make a splash in swimming with stellar results

This past term, we witnessed numerous students representing Bellbird Park SSC across Districts, Regionals, and States in Swimming competitions. It first started at Ipswich Grammar School on Tuesday, 6 February as we had 5 students trial for the Central Comets District Team. All students swam really well, including some personal bests, with brothers – Landyn and Kynan being selected into the Comets team.

Both boys moved on and then attended the Regional Championship at Sleeman Sports Centre to trial for the Metropolitan West Regional Team. Kynan participated in the 100m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly. With his brother Landyn participating in 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 50m Breastroke and 100m Freestyle. An awesome achievement for the family, who should be extremely proud. Landyn, swam so well he is now off to the State Championships to trial for the Queensland Team – we wish him all the very best! 

Yagera Summer Gala Sports

This past term our students had the opportunity to play against our local rival Secondary Schools in the Yagera Summer Gala Sports. Certain sports were available for this term and they were:

Senior Boys Rugby League
Junior Boys and Senior/Junior Girls Basketball
Girls Volleyball
Boys and Girls Futsal
Boys and Girls Touch Football

It was an extremely short turn around with first sports kicking off on Valentine’s Day, 14 February. A huge thank you and appreciation must go to our wonderful administration team who help finalise the paperwork and invoicing in such a short space of time to allow our interested students participation in these sporting events. Thank you!

A special mention to our fabulous staff who selected, trained and led these sporting teams – they all did such an amazing job and should be extremely proud of their performances on and off the pitch/court.

Congratulations to all students who attended and a special mention to the following teams who were successful in WINNING the Yagera Sports Championship:

Rugby League Opens
Boys Touch Football
Year 9 Boys Futsal

Those teams are now eligible to go on and represent Bellbird Park at the upcoming SEQ Metropolitan Finals next term!

Mr Matt Bishop
HPE Teacher & Sports Coordinator

Student Support – Program Update

The Breakfast Club

The breakfast club has kicked off this year with great success, attracting more hungry students every morning. The new space in the sports hall has improved accessibility, and students are delighted with the variety of food options available each morning. Due to the growing interest, the team has introduced a lunchtime club offering toasted sandwiches on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during first break. We express our gratitude to the numerous volunteers who have supported us this term and eagerly anticipate serving our students throughout the year.

Program's Update 

The Weaving Program has had a successful start, attracting more girls to participate. Bryneeka Thompson from the Brisbane Broncos leads the program, providing valuable teachings and wisdom to our girls.

Our Didge Program, under the guidance of Xavier Roe, has expanded to two classes due to increased interest from our junior students. Xavier, a former student and Teacher Aide at the school, excels in connecting with and engaging the students.

The Men's Group, led by Uncle Bevan Doyle from Relationships Australia, is also thriving. The boys appreciate the cultural connection and look forward to their time with him every Friday.

The soccer program is led by Gama, our Community Liaison Officer has seen an increase in students across the junior school and the level of skill and ability has improved since it’s inception last year. The boy’s fitness, skill and teamwork has improved drastically and are looking in good form for their future games played amongst each other.

Mr Kahui Tihore
Student Support Coordinator

College Captain Update

The Ipswich Civic Program at the Ipswich Civic Chambers on Friday, 8 March was an excellent experience in learning and understanding the political system of Ipswich City, and by extension the whole of Queensland. On the day, my co-captain Jordis and I worked with other school leaders from nearby schools and addressed some issues that we see throughout our day-to-day lives. Along with this, we were given a lecture by Member for Oxley, Mr Milton Dick, and Mayor Teresa Harding about what the average day is for a politician. It was a really interesting learning opportunity and I am so glad that we were invited to attend the event.

Jet Taber
College Captain