11 October 2024

From the Executive Principal

Welcome to the first newsletter of the final term of 2024. What a wonderful start our students have made in term 4 in what is set to be another successful and final term for our entire school community. I have been particularly impressed with the optimism, positivity and genuine excitement our students and staff have for the term ahead. This 11 week term (seven weeks for Year 12 and eight weeks for Year 10 and 11, and 11 weeks for our 7s, 8s and 9s) is very important in terms of finishing the year’s learning program. During the final week of term our Year 7, 8 and 9 students will complete an alternate program with their final day being Friday 13 December.

There is so much to look forward to this term - by the time you receive this newsletter, our Year 12 formal and graduation ceremony will be only be a few short weeks away. This is a significant milestone for our students, their families and our school community and a testament to the incredible calibre of our young men and women of BPSSC. There is a touch of excitement and sadness as they these students will have their final day at BPSSC and formal schooling in a matter of weeks. I wish every student every success in their final exams and couldn’t be prouder of what the class of 2024 has achieved.

This term, it is the balance among work, planning for next year and celebration that I am keen to reinforce. There is a very definite order - we celebrate after we finish. We want to finish strongly. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP INDUCTION CEREMONY

At the end of term 3 we had the great pleasure of celebrating and inducting our student leadership team for 2024/2025. It was wonderful to share this ceremony with our Year 8 and & Year 11 cohorts, along with parents and special guest, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. Congratulations to our new college captains Dawn and Tamatea who will be supported by an outstanding group of prefects and junior secondary leaders. We pay respect to our outgoing team who were superbly led by Jet and Jordis.

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Next Step 2024 Post-School Destinations

Since 2005, the Department of Education’s Next Step survey has captured information about the journey from school to further study and employment for Year 12 completers. Insights gained from Next Step assist schools to review and plan their services for students, and school system personnel to evaluate education policies as they affect the transition from school to further study and employment. The survey is conducted approximately six months after the end of the school year, timed to occur after tertiary education places for the year have been accepted. All students who attend state, Catholic and independent schools in Queensland are included. Please see the following summary for BPSSC students who completed year 12 in 2023.

CELEBRATING STAFF SUCCESS

Congratulations to Mr Ben Turnour and Mr Jacob Cheung who have both been named as one of the 31 winners for the prestigious 2024 TEACHX awards. 349 nominations were received, 80 shortlisted, with 31 overall winners. The TEACHX Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers in Queensland. We could not be prouder of Mr Turnour and Mr Cheung for their work at Bellbird Park SSC supporting staff, students and the community.

Bellbird Park SSC P&C Christmas Cash Bonanza Raffle!

Please support our P&C with our Christmas Cash Bonanza Raffle. By purchasing a ticket, you're not only entering for a chance to win fantastic cash prizes but also supporting the P&C’s fundraising efforts for exciting new initiatives that will directly benefit our students. Tickets are only $5!

Click the link below to purchase yours and help us make a difference:

Thank you for your support and good luck!

Once again, we look forward to a wonderful term for our school as we continue to reach exceptional heights as a school community. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to continue to empower our students to thrive towards success in what has already been a wonderful start. We are so happy to welcome you all back for Term 4!

Mr Michael West
Executive Principal

Deputies Corner

“Success depends on the support of other people. The only hurdle between you and what you want to be is the support of other people." David Joseph Schwartz

Support is one of our important RISE values at Bellbird Park. R U Ok day was celebrated on the last Friday of Term 3 which started with a big display of support before school, a touch game versus our local police force (which we won!) and then fun student activities in the afternoon. USQ radio also supported the day with plenty of music and interviews. There was plenty of positive feedback from our community and students about the day and the importance of highlighting the need to look after and support each other. Thank you to our Guidance Officer Mrs Egan and all of our wonderful staff in supporting this event for another year- a real cornerstone tradition now for Bellbird Park SSC.

Mr English with our wonderful College Heads of Year on R U Ok day

The previous week was also a very unique and proud moment for Bellbird Park SSC with its first ever school Musical “Back to the 80’s”. Many months of hard work by staff and students saw this amazing show showcased 5 times in 3 days. Special shout out to my Year 7 Head of Year Mr Carreon who showed his many talents in this show along with several Year 7 student musicians, actors and dancers! Congratulations everyone.

Year 6 into Year 7 transition

It’s hard to believe the current Year 7’s have almost completed their first year at high school! This is a quick shout out to any prospective families who have a son/daughter looking at coming to Bellbird Park SSC next year. Due to the new school at Collingwood Park, there has been some catchment changes. To check eligibility please check your address on the Qld catchment map finder.

Transition Day is ear marked for Tuesday, 26 November and it is really important that all enrolment paperwork for 2025 has been completed and you have attended an enrolment session prior to the Transition Day.  Further information can be found on our Facebook page, website or alternatively contact the administration office. 

Mr Gavin Grant
Deputy Principal Year

As we enter the final school term for 2024, we are excited to take a moment to reflect and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 8 students. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and resilience have made them a true asset to our school community.

From the classroom to extracurricular activities, Year 8 students have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their studies and personal development. Their academic performances have been nothing short of impressive with many students consistently achieving top grades and showing a deep understanding of their subjects. Whether it’s through innovative projects at the STEAM showcase, insightful discussions on RUOK Day, or a thirst for knowledge, our Year 8s have set a high standard for academic excellence.  Their participation in various clubs and extra-curricular activities like the school musical, has not only enriched their school experience but has also contributed to the vibrant school community here at Bellbird Park SSC.

Across the year, the Year 8s have had a focus on putting maximum effort into all that they do – right up to the last day.  This includes doing the small things well and it starts with the uniform.  At Bellbird, we wear our uniform correctly and with pride.  Please take a moment to review our dress code.  In particular, students are not to have any facial piercings and only one pair of earrings (gold or silver studs/small sleepers).  No necklaces are permitted. We also wear white socks. On the whole, Year 8s wear the uniform very well.  Thank you for your help in assisting students to have correct uniform.

On a final positive note, we are incredibly proud of our Year 8 students who have been officially inducted as school leaders for 2025.  We are all excited to follow them on their leadership journey.

Ms Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal Year 8

As we return for term 4, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Holt for her outstanding work as the Head of Department for Diverse Learners, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive. Additionally, we warmly welcome back Mrs Parish, whose return we are all excited for as we look forward to a smooth transition into the new term.

As we continue through term 4, our Year 9 cohort will keep working closely with Mrs Menjivar, our dedicated Head of Year 9, whose guidance and support have been invaluable throughout the year. At this stage of the year we find ourselves at a significant milestone in the lives of our Year 9 students – the closing chapter of their Junior Secondary journey. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and resilience, and we are incredibly proud of how far our cohort has come. With the end of Year 9 on the horizon, our students are now preparing for the exciting transition into Senior School, where new opportunities and challenges await.

Throughout the year, our Year 9 students have developed important academic and personal skills, building a strong foundation for the years ahead. From mastering core subjects to exploring electives that sparked their interests, they’ve demonstrated both commitment and curiosity. It hasn’t always been easy, but through perseverance and hard work, they have grown into more capable and confident learners.

As we move into Senior School, students have the chance to further personalise their learning journey. Through our Sub Senior Studies Planning this semester students had selected subjects and pathways that align with their goals and aspirations. The transition into Year 10 marks the beginning of more focused preparation for future qualifications, including the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), and a deeper exploration of potential career paths.

This is an exciting time to reflect on achievements and look forward to the future. The Senior School years will bring a greater sense of responsibility, independence, and opportunity for our students to pursue academic excellence and personal growth.

For more information about Senior School at Bellbird Park State Secondary College, including subject selection and pathways, please visit:

We encourage our Year 9 students to enjoy the remainder of term 4, celebrate their achievements in Junior Secondary, and embrace the new opportunities Senior School will offer. The future is bright, and we are excited to see where their journeys will take them.

Mrs Melissa Fields
Deputy Principal Year 9

Bellbird Park Year 11s: Gearing Up for Exam Season!

I’m writing this as our Year 11s are about to head into their Exam Block on Monday.  It’s time to focus and prepare - just like the Australian Women’s Cricket team heading to the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Both require strategy, focus, and resilience. Here are some quick tips to help you through:

1. Plan Ahead
   Like cricket teams plan for matches, create a study timetable. Prioritize subjects and review tricky areas. Use planners or apps to stay on track.
   
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
   Just as cricketers train before games, use past papers to practice. This builds confidence and helps you understand exam formats.
   
3. Stay Healthy
   Athletes prioritize their health, and so should you. Eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. Rest is essential for peak mental performance.
   
4. Stay Calm
   Pressure is inevitable, but manage it with breaks, walks, or deep breathing. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) helps maintain focus.
   
5. Know the Syllabus
   Cricketers know their opponents, and you should know your syllabus. Review every topic so you're prepared for any question.
   
6. Get Support
   Like teams, don’t go solo. Ask friends, teachers, or family for help when needed. Study groups are great for reinforcing knowledge.
   
7. Stay Positive
   Believe in your preparation and visualize success. Just like the Australian team, your effort and mindset will drive your success.
   

Good luck, Year 11s! You're ready to ace these exams!
And good luck to our Australian Women’s Cricket Team!

Mr Jason English
Deputy Principal Year 11

Administration Matters

Order online at www.munchmonitor.com

Need to set up an account?  Click on the below link for further information

Trivia Night Sponsors

We are blown away by the amazing generosity of our local businesses for the Bellbird Park SSC P&C Trivia Night!
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated prizes - your contributions are what make these events possible.

Head of Year Report

 Ms West – Year 8          

Term Four has commenced and our Year 8 students can look forward to a busy, but rewarding, eleven weeks of learning. They will be working towards achieving their long-term goals, completing assessment tasks, listening to visiting presenters and socialising with their peers.

In Week 10 of last term, we welcomed our 2025 Junior College and House Captains! We are looking forward to being inspired by their creativity and positive influence on the wider school community. Watch this space grow as they have already started planning and have exciting activities set for Year 8 students this term.

To support Year 8 students in the development of their social and emotional skills they welcomed many presenters to the school last term including Queensland Rail and Smashed Australia. These presenters equipped students with strategies they can use when faced with risks and will empower them to make positive choices.

Later this term students will also be involved is World Kindness Day and other wellbeing activities.

Positive classroom attention and regular attendance are very important aspects for the development of students’ skills and educational outcomes, therefore their commitment to their learning is vital. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children. Bellbird Park State Secondary College provides students with many opportunities and programs for them to engage including, Breakfast and Homework Clubs. Further information is provided in the link 

Please contact the school or the Year 8 team, if you have questions regarding your child’s attendance.

Please ensure your child continues to uphold the RISE Expectations and is wearing the correct uniform. Please remind them to attend, and be on time, for all classes.

Mrs Scull – Year 11 & 12

Year 10 & 11 Rewards Day

• The Year 10 and 11 Rewards Day to Dreamworld is on Wednesday 20^th November (Week 8 – last week)
• The school will pay for the bus, however students will either need to pay for the entry fee or use a valid annual pass
• This year we are extending the time at this excrsions, and returning to school by 5pm.
• Students must meet the below criteria to be invited to this Rewards Day excursion:
  • 90% attendance (Year to Date)
    OR
    
  • 90% attendance in weeks 1-5 of Term 4.
    OR
    
  • 300+ PBL stamps throughout the year.
• 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).
• Student who are invited will receive a permission note leading up to the event.

Year 12 Events Update

Senior Formal

• Permission Notes will be issued next week (Week 2)
• Once consent form is returned and Clearance Form has been submitted and approved, parents/carers will be sent an invoice
• Senior Formal will cost $110 (this is subject to change due to numbers and costings – final cost will appear on invoice)
• Details about seating and arrivals will be provided next week to both students and parents/carer. Arrivals begin at 5:30pm at the Ipswich Civic Centre.

Mystery Bus Tour

• Permission Notes will be issued next week (Week 2)
• Once consent form is returned and Clearance Form has been submitted and approved, parents/carers will be sent an invoice
• Mystery Bus Tour will cost $150 (this is subject to change due to numbers and costings – final cost will appear on invoice)
• This is an overnight excursion, after formal, and students will return to the college around 9:30am.
• Further details will be provided in the coming weeks to both students and parents/carer.

Graduation

• Permission Notes will be issued next week (Week 2)
• The consent form must be returned in order to attend.
• Students must be wearing their full formal uniform, with a BPSSC tie and black leather shoes. All other uniform rules apply also.
• Students and parents/guardians will be advised shortly of when tickets are available to purchase from the Ipswich Civic Centre.
• Each family will be able to purchase a maximum of two tickets. Following the first round of ticket sales, a second round will open to allow families to purchase additional tickets.
• The Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed due to the restrictions on family members attending – more details to follow.

From the Head of Department

Head of Department - The Arts

Bellbird Park State Secondary College Shines with First Musical Production: Back to the 80's

Bellbird Park State Secondary College celebrated a monumental achievement with its very first school musical, Back to the 80's, performed on September 5, 6, and 7. The production was an extraordinary success for both the school and the wider community as it captivated audiences across all three days, with a total of 600 tickets sold across the 4 shows. There was also a special performance on the Friday, where the school welcomed about 100 Year 6 students from Kruger State School, who were treated to a fun-filled morning of 80’s nostalgia. The young audience members were enthralled by the vibrant performance, giving them a sneak peek of the excitement that awaits them in the future as they transition to secondary school.

The journey to the stage began in February when the talented cast of students first gathered for auditions and rehearsals. Over the months, these young performers poured their hearts and souls into perfecting their roles, tirelessly rehearsing to bring the colourful, nostalgic world of the 1980s to life. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication they displayed throughout the process was evident in every scene, every dance number, and every note sung on stage. The on-stage talent was simply phenomenal. Every cast member brought a unique energy and charisma to their role, wowing the audience with their acting, singing, and dancing abilities. Their performances were a testament to months of hard work and a true reflection of the immense talent that Bellbird Park nurtures.

However, none of this would have been possible without the enormous dedication, passion, and tireless work of the teaching staff behind the production. Leading the choreography was Sophie Kersnovski, whose incredible vision was brought to life with the support of assistant choreographer Monica Silcox. Together, they spent countless hours refining the dance numbers, ensuring every step, movement, and formation resonated with the energy of the 80s. Musical Direction was expertly handled by Sarah Fry, who worked meticulously with each cast member, nurturing their voices and building their confidence to deliver powerful performances. Overseeing it all was the director, Matthew Hates, whose commitment to every detail was awe-inspiring. From guiding the students’ acting to shaping the overall vision of the show, his leadership was the driving force behind this spectacular production. These teachers did far more than teach – they inspired, motivated, and worked tirelessly, sharing their passion for the arts and encouraging students to believe in themselves and their talents.

The incredible band (conducted by Sally Faint) that provided the live music throughout the performance was nothing short of spectacular. Their skillful playing transported the audience straight back to the era of big hair, leg warmers, and neon lights. The rhythm and energy they infused into each number created a dynamic atmosphere that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along.

A musical production is not complete without its set (by Emerson Goodreid, and his team), lighting (by Nick Collier, assisted by Skye Pearce), sound (by Ranzlette Dela Cruz and Joseph Williams), costumes (by Megan Sharman, assisted by Jennifer George), and hair and makeup (by Jorgia Densey), and Back to the 80's delivered on all fronts. The eye-catching set design, the mood-perfect lighting, and the seamless sound operation made every moment on stage visually and aurally stunning. The vibrant costumes, hair and makeup, reminiscent of classic 80's fashion, added a touch of authenticity and fun, immersing the audience even deeper into the time period.

Behind the scenes, the efficient backstage team (lead by Tracey Egan) worked like clockwork, ensuring every scene change, prop placement, and costume swap went off without a hitch. Their hard work and attention to detail were pivotal in maintaining the smooth flow of the show. The creative props (by Jennifer Bendell), which included nostalgic 80's items, added an extra layer of charm and authenticity, contributing to the overall immersive experience.

Special mention must also be made of the media team (lead by Bronte Dray), who helped capture and promote the production. From vibrant posters to engaging social media content, and a stunning program, they played a crucial role in spreading the word about the show and drawing in the community to support the school’s very first musical.

Finally, no production of this magnitude would have been complete without the hard-working hospitality team. Their efforts in running the 80’s themed café during the performances provided a welcome space for audience members to gather and enjoy refreshments, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.

The entire community rallied behind the production, creating a wave of enthusiasm and excitement in the lead-up to the performances. Parents, local businesses, and friends of the school all contributed in various ways, showing just how much a shared goal can unite a community. Particular thankyou to the team of staff (and their families) who gave up their weekends and afternoons to help paint the set. In every sense, Bellbird Park State Secondary College’s Back to the 80's was a resounding success. The dedication of all those involved has set a new benchmark for future productions. This show not only entertained but also showcased the talent and spirit that makes Bellbird Park such a vibrant and thriving community. We can't wait to see what the future holds for the performing arts at our school!

Ms Sally Faint
Head of The Arts

Head of Department - Teaching and Learning

BPSSC Moving Deeper into the Digital Learning Space.

BPSSC is embarking on a journey into the Online Digital Learning space, with a group of teachers piloting the integration of the online learning platform Q-Learn with their classes this semester.

Digital and Online Learning is here to stay, as it offers lots of opportunities for students beyond what is possible in traditional classroom settings. Regular personalised feedback and automated progress tracking allows students to identify what they’ve learned, and where they may have gaps in their knowledge. 24/7 access to learning materials, quizzes and self-directed learning opportunities allows students to close these gaps and work at their own pace (including if they’re away from school).

A transition of this size doesn’t happen overnight, and this journey will take place across several years, alongside the rollout of the new Australian Curriculum, and our BYOX Student Laptop program.

The possibilities for engaging students and delivering an increasingly personalised learning experience make this an exciting time to be a young learner at Bellbird Park. 

Stay tuned for further updates in the coming months!

Mr Ben Turnour
Head of Teaching and Learning

Head of Department - Diverse Learners

As some people would know I’ve been on maternity leave with my first baby since last year. It has been so lovely to receive such a warm welcome back into the BPSSC community and I look forward to jumping right into all the challenges of this eleven-week term!

Mrs Holt and Ms Downie have achieved so much through their leadership in the year that I’ve been away from the Diversity Support Space and I know they couldn’t have done it without our amazing team of teachers, case managers and teacher aides.

I can’t wait to work with all of the families of our diverse learners to work towards their individual goals to achieve success.

Ms Phoebe Parish
Head of Diverse Learners