11 December 2024
From the Executive Principal
Welcome to our final newsletter for 2024! I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our students and staff on their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout what has been an incredibly busy and rewarding year. At Bellbird Park SSC, student growth and success have remained at the heart of everything we do, and we take immense pride in the personal achievements and growth stories of every individual in our school community. As we close the chapter on 2024, I am filled with gratitude and admiration for the remarkable journey we have shared—one marked by growth, achievement, and resilience. To our students, staff, and families: thank you for making Bellbird Park SSC such an extraordinary place to learn and thrive.
2024 has been a remarkable year for Bellbird Park. Among our many successes, we celebrated our first-ever school musical— a truly magical production that brought together students, staff, and families in a showcase of talent and teamwork. Congratulations once again to Ms Sally Faint, our Producer and Head of Arts, and the entire musical team for creating something unforgettable.
Our Junior Secondary Improvement Strategy has also made a remarkable impact. This was guided by our updated purpose statement: “At BPSSC, we embrace equity and are dedicated to supporting every student to achieve growth and success.” This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student thrives and achieves growth. Thanks to the tireless work of our leaders, teachers and support staff, we have seen increased academic outcomes, improved student wellbeing, and strengthened relationships with families. Whilst there is more to student success than academic data, the results we have achieved demonstrate the profound impact of a focused, equitable, and student-centred approach to education. I am pleased to share the following junior secondary data (Years 7 – 9):
Year 12 Graduation
I would like to acknowledge our graduating class of 2024 and congratulate them on the manner with which they conducted themselves throughout their time at BPSSC. It was wonderful to watch all our Year 12 students celebrate their school completion with their families at the formal and graduation ceremony. At the time of this newsletter, over 60 of our Year 12 graduates have already received early offers into universities, with more offers yet to come. We look forward to hearing of their continued success as they transition to the next chapter of their lives. We will keep our community up to date with their results via Facebook over the Christmas Holidays.
Year 7, 2025
Last week we welcomed approximately 250 Year 6 students for their final introduction to high school at our Year 6 into 7 transition day. Our extensive transition program prepares our students well for secondary school, along with students gaining confidence in their new surroundings. We anticipate a Year 7 enrolment of about 300 students in 2025.
Farewells
I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the following staff who will be leaving Bellbird Park SSC this year for new adventures. Each of these people have contributed to the lives of our young people at Bellbird Park SSC through their respective positions. I wish them all the best in future endeavours. Ms Leanne Buller, Business Manager: Leanne has been with us since before the school opened and has been integral to our success. We wish her the best as she steps into her new role as President of the School Business Managers Association Queensland. Ms Tracey Egan, (Guidance Officer) and Ms Caitlin Cox (Food Studies & Early Childhood Teacher) – both foundation staff members, who have given eight years of exceptional service, shaping the lives of so many students.
Farewell to teachers Ms Sarah Fry, Ms Michelle Hoffman, Mr James Williamson, Ms Fleur Easton, Ms Dale Staples and Mr Tihore (Student Support Coordinator).
Thank you to our families
This year has been successful due to the incredible partnership between the college and the families in our community. Your continued support of our programs and new ventures and opportunities, provided by the college for your students, ensures that the experiences provided remains fresh, innovative and futures-focussed for the students. These collaborations and cooperation ensure students within the college are provided with outstanding, educational and developmental experiences within a caring learning environment. We look forward to the on going development of this partnership in 2025.
Key Dates for 2025 School Year
- Our Administration office will be closed over the holidays and will re-open on Monday 20 January.
- Students in Years 7, 11, 12 will commence on Tuesday 28 January
- Students in Years 8, 9, 10 will commence on Wednesday 29 January
- 2025 Enrolment enquiries should be directed to: enrolment@bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au Please note that emails sent over the holiday period will not be responded to until 20 January.
2025 Stationery lists can be found here.
We look forward to celebrating the success of our students at our Academic Awards Evening in Week 5, 2025 where we will be acknowledging the amazing achievements of our students, including the 2024 College Dux.
To all of our families, we wish you safe and happy festive season. Thank you all for your support of our wonderful school. We have scheduled several Facebook reminders over the break, including stationery list requirements, uniform shop hours and other key return to school information.
Mr Michael West
Executive Principal
Deputies Corner
Semester 2 Reports: What You Need to Know
Semester 2 reports for Year 7-10 students will reflect achievements from Term 3 and Term 4 work, with effort and behavior assessed specifically on Term 4. Reports will be emailed out on Wednesday, 11 December.
If you do not receive your child’s report, please contact the College office to verify your email address, and we will promptly resend the report card.
We place a significant emphasis on effort as a key driver of success. Research consistently shows that strong academic growth is closely linked to high effort, positive wellbeing, and high attendance. We encourage parents to discuss and celebrate these achievements with their children when they occur.
Remember:
Values + Behaviours = Culture.
Reflections from the Deputy Principal
As a foundation Deputy Principal who returned this year after two years in other schools and at the central office, I am thrilled to witness the sustained growth in learning and culture at our College. Now in our eighth year, the College has stabilised at around 1,800 students and 200 staff. Despite this, we welcome approximately 30 new staff members and a full cohort of Year 7 students each year.
Maintaining that "new car" feeling remains a priority. Our RISE values and the mantra "High Expectations — No Excuses" continue to shape the Culture of Belonging and Visible Learning that defines our school.
Walking around the College and visiting classrooms, it’s evident that these principles are alive and thriving. I am incredibly proud of what our staff and students have accomplished this year, with record-breaking results across multiple areas. Together, we continue to build a culture of excellence, belonging and achievement.
Thank you for your ongoing support in making this a standout year for our College community.
Have a great Christmas and new year. I look forward to seeing everyone next year in 2025.
Mr Gavin Grant
Deputy Principal Year 7
Congratulations to all of the Year 8 students for completing their second year of high school!
When we reflect on the past year, all Year 8 students should take pride in their achievements, both big and small. Across the year, students have worked towards developing their personal power, leadership skills and giving back to their community. I have been very impressed with the growth students have had and their willingness to step up to support their peers.
In addition, students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement across all of their subjects with so many success stories. I have heard students report, ‘I have never received a B before’ and ‘I feel I can be successful in class’. This feedback shows the great determination within the cohort and their keen enthusiasm to reach their potential. The Year 8 team are really excited about heading into 2025 with the strong foundation of amazing results and positive growth mindsets.
Looking further into the new year, we hope students embrace the chance to explore new subjects that will set them up for future careers whilst developing their leadership skills.
On behalf of the whole Year 8 team, we congratulate students on completing another year, and wish all students a relaxing Christmas break.
Ms Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal Year 8
Celebrating Year 9 Successes in Term 4!
Our Year 9’s have made some tremendous strides this term. At our assembly in Week 10 we recognised our team of 4 Year 9 girls who made it to the State Finals for ATSIAP, an initiative for high-achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Queensland State Secondary Schools.
We had 3 of our young scholars from Year 9 participate this term in the ICAS International Academics Competition, where BPSSC students were awarded several Credit, Merit and Distinction awards across the categories of English, Mathematics, Science and Writing.
We also recognised some truly creative and hard-working individuals with our annual Awards for the Arts and Sports.
As we look forward to 2025, we encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and enjoy the upcoming holiday break. We are eager to see you all return refreshed and ready to make the most of this crucial year. With continued hard work and focus, I’m sure 2025 will bring even more opportunities for growth and achievement.
Mr Ben Turnour
Deputy Principal Year 9
Bellbird Park Community – “keep chipping away”!
Brendan Doggett, a fast bowler for South Australia and a proud Worimi man, has made headlines recently for his impactful performance and a "chipping away" mentality as he continues his comeback from years of injuries. Doggett, who endured a challenging period with serious back issues, has been steadily regaining form in the Marsh Sheffield Shield. His perseverance has been evident in his recent matches, where he played a pivotal role in securing victories for his team.
Doggett's "chipping away" statement reflects his steady approach to overcoming setbacks. Injuries had sidelined him for significant portions of his career, but through dedicated rehabilitation and adjustments to his bowling technique, he has worked his way back into first-class cricket. His resilience and determination were particularly significant during NAIDOC Week, a time when he also took pride in representing his Indigenous heritage.
His recent performances have underscored his return to form, including crucial wickets in key moments, showcasing his ability to turn the tide for his team. Doggett's story serves as a testament to persistence and the rewards of hard work, inspiring both his teammates and fans.
As we move into 2025, I want to challenge the community with this “chipping away” mentality. Brendan Doggett, the chippy who kept chipping away, might just prove that every dog has its day – An Australian Test cricket call up!
Bellbird Park students…how might you adopt “chipping away” as a motivation mantra in 2025? How will you emphasize small, consistent efforts to achieve personal and academic achievement goals?
Jason English
Deputy Principal Year 11
Administration Matters
The Canteen will be closed on Thursday 12 & Friday 13 December 2024.
Thank you for your understanding & Merry Christmas from the Canteen Staff.
Head of Year Report
Mr Carreon – Year 7
As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on an incredible journey. Year 7 has been a year of growth, new beginnings, and countless achievements. From your first steps into high school to the confident and capable individuals you’ve become, the transformation has been inspiring to witness.
Highlights of the Year
Looking back, it's hard to believe how much we've packed into this year! Some memorable moments include:
- Orientation Days: Welcoming you to the Bellbird Park family and helping you settle into your new environment.
- Camp/Incursion: From outdoor adventures to hands-on learning experiences, these moments challenged you to step out of your comfort zones and build resilience.
- Academic Milestones: Seeing your progress across subjects, embracing challenges, and celebrating your successes has been a highlight.
- Sports and Extracurricular Activities: Whether it was on the field, on stage, or in the art room, your talents and determination shone through.
- Friendship and Teamwork: Watching you form new friendships and work together as a cohesive group has been a testament to your maturity and empathy.
Growth and Resilience
Year 7 is a year of change, and you’ve navigated it with courage. From learning to manage timetables to juggling assignments and assessments, you’ve developed essential skills that will carry you through your schooling journey.
More importantly, you’ve shown resilience, kindness, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. These qualities will serve you well as you continue to grow both academically and personally.
Looking Ahead
As you prepare for Year 8, take a moment to celebrate all you’ve accomplished this year. The foundation you’ve built in Year 7 is a strong one, and we can’t wait to see how you’ll continue to thrive.
To our parents and carers: thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in helping our students succeed. Your encouragement has made a world of difference.
Farewell and Best Wishes
To the amazing Year 7 cohort of 2024, congratulations on completing your first year of high school. You've made us incredibly proud, and we are excited to see the bright future that lies ahead for each of you.
Have a safe and restful holiday break, and we’ll see you in the new year, ready for the next chapter
Ms West – Year 8
As the school year draws to close, we wish to thank students and their families for a wonderful year. We also wish to thank all teachers and staff who have guided the Year 8 students.
This year, in Wellbeing lessons, students focused on achieving their short and long-term goals. During Week 8 they celebrated their successes with their Wellbeing class and teacher. A number of students have already planned educational and personal goals for 2025.
World Kindness Day was held on 13 November and the Year 8 cohort participated in many activities including games, trivia, crafts and dancing. These activities were led by the Junior School College and Sports Captains.
Year 8 students understand the importance of attending school every day and taking ownership of their learning. Those students who were eligible to attend the Dreamworld excursion had a rewarding and fun day!
At the Junior School Assembly many Year 8 students received awards including Integrity Awards. These students continually demonstrated the school’s RISE Expectations and consistently contributed to the school’s community.
Our Year 8 students also appreciate the importance of showing respect and gratitude. They understand that being thankful for even the smallest things enhances their wellbeing while gratitude spreads positivity, increases resilience and celebrates the achievement of others.
As the holidays approach, a number of Year 8 students appreciate the importance of showing gratitude in their local and wider communities. They, along with their families and friends, will be involved in volunteering within the local community, donating their time to support others and treating others kindly.
Happy holidays Year 8.
Mr Bishop – Year 10
Wrapping Up a Year to Remember
As we close out the year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the tremendous growth, resilience, and success of our Year 10 students. This cohort has truly demonstrated what it means to rise to the occasion and finish strong.
One of the standout moments this term was the exam block—a traditionally stressful time, but our students handled it with grace and determination. Their exemplary conduct and focus during this period highlight the maturity they have developed and their readiness to take on new challenges in the years ahead.
Our Attendance Strategy and PBL Framework shone through with the rewards for those who met or exceeded 90% attendance for Term 4 or across the year. Attending students enjoyed a fantastic Rewards Day at Dreamworld. Despite a few showers, the shorter queues, delicious warm food, and high-energy vibes made it a memorable day for all. It was a perfect way to celebrate their commitment to being present and engaged throughout the year.
To top it all off, we culminated the year with our stunning 24 Karat Gold Semi-Formal. The evening was a glittering celebration of the bonds, memories, and achievements of this exceptional group of students. It was a privilege to witness them enjoying the night together, dressed to the nines and dancing the night away. All students who attended the evening have been emailed a link to access all of the photos from both the photographer and photobooth.
To our students moving on to new pathways, we wish you every success in your next steps. Whether you're embarking on further education, vocational training, or entering the workforce, we are confident that the skills and character you’ve developed will carry you far.
To all students and families, thank you for your support throughout this term. It has been an absolute pleasure to finish the year with such an incredible cohort. Your resilience, energy, and determination have made this a truly rewarding experience.
Wishing everyone a joyful, restful, and healthy holiday season. May the new year bring exciting opportunities and continued success.
Ms Scull – Year 11 & 12
As we approach the end of another exciting and eventful school year, it is a perfect time to reflect on all that our Year 11 and 12 students have achieved. It truly was a Year of Memories, and our Class of 2024 have left a long-lasting legacy in our college. Our Student Leadership Committee were dedicated to creating a memorable final year for our Year 12s – aligning with their 2024 Vision 'A Year of Memories' and were responsible for our very first Valentine’s Day stall and House Pride Week. They also worked with our Senior Events Committee to create a number of other exciting events to foster a positive and supportive school environment including Year 12 Spirit Week, Year 12 Movie Night and a number of free dress days!
Graduation Week was an outstanding display of celebration, achievement and excellence. Our Senior Formal had a record breaking number of guests for our college, filling every seat and table at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Our Year 12s were unrecognisable as they arrived on the red carpet, and dazzled our community with their gorgeous gowns and stylish suits. A special mention goes to Titan and Letisha who were voted Best Dressed by the BPSSC staff and donned their sashes. The dance floor was electric with the limbo, conga line to the ‘Vengabus’ and Ms Connor’s dance moves!
After Formal, staff and students quickly moved onto the Mystery Bus Tour. Our first stop was a favourite – Area 51 – having unlimited access to the high ropes, climbing walls, trampolines, slides and other playground areas. Next venue was Game Over on the way down to the Gold Coast. Students took advantage of the indoor go-karting, laser tag, karaoke, climbing walls and mini golf. We then moved onto breakfast at Cavill Ave at Surfers Paradise and then walked to our final destination: Timezone. Surfers Paradise’s Timezone is the largest Timezone in the world, with hundreds of arcade games, bowling, and dodgem cars. What a great way to celebrate the culmination of school with friends, a few laughs and lots of energy drinks!
Students returned to the college for the very last time to attend a special Assembly that celebrated the Sporting and Arts achievements of our Seniors,and also showcased wonderful talent from Year 12 students Malia, Sasha and Ioana who performed. The assembly also acknowledged the legacy our Class of 2024 had already left and ended in a Guard of Honour from the Sports Hall to the gate, where our Year 12 students walked out of the school gates for the last time.
Graduation was an outstanding event, celebrating the achievements of our 211 graduates. It was a moving ceremony reflecting on their journey from Year 7 to their final year of high school. Family members cheered every student as they crossed the stage to receive their gratitude rose, special gift and graduation pack. A number of talented Year 11 students performed at Graduation, to express their own well wishes and gratitude to their peers.
Eager to step into the shoes of our 2024 Student Leaders, are our newly elected Student Leadership Committee. Our Senior Leaders met recently to review data from our Wellbeing and Engagement Survey, and devised their Vision for 2025: RISE Up with Spirit. They have begun planning for a number of exciting events, and will continue this planning early next year. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for our college in 2025!
Science Update
Fostering the next generation of deadly scientists
For the second year running, BPSSC were proud to have a group of Year 9 students participate in the Deadly Science Pathways program. This amazing program centred around inspiring young Indigenous minds through engaging seminars, hands-on science activities, real life lab experiences, discussion with scientists and more. Over three days, our students joined other First Nations students from across Australia to delve into the world of science.
The WEHi Institute in Melbourne opened their doors and shared their staff and facilities with our budding scientists. Partnering with Deadly Science the program introduced a variety of STEM professions to see what sparked interest and explored careers and possibilities in STEM and the future.
Here’s a rundown of our time in Melbourne.
Day 1 - Smoking ceremony and Welcome to country, followed by an introduction by the Director of WEHI, Professor Ken Smith; Deadly science staff and other key personnel.
Scientist, Dr Rhiannon Morris gave a presentation on AML (Blood cancer) and spoke about her research into this area. She also spoke about how she ended up in research after achieving a PhD. What was eye opening to our students, was the journey Dr Morris had taken. She shared with the audience that she had in fact failed 3 out of her 4 subjects! One of our students said, “Miss, look where she is now, and she failed most of her subjects. How amazing is she….”
Dr Morris “has hopes that in 20 years’ time, AML will be seen like the common cold”
Lab tours and Zeiss optics presentation before delving into the compound microscope lab experiments. Engagement was off the chart.
Day 2 - The wonderful world of animation by Drew. Drew shared incredible images and animations of DNA, cells and WEHI TV. We were in awe and totally captivated by such art in science.
Science Gallery and a workshop learning about Indigenous land management.
Day 3 - Melbourne University tour and learning about university life. We learnt that Melbourne university has 48 science majors, and we need an ATAR of 74 (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students). In the afternoon we were welcomed at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC). There we were involved in Forensic science. “We are still learning, it's just amazing’
From hands-on lab experiences to explorations at The University of Melbourne, Science Gallery Melbourne, and GTAC, our students explored the possibilities that STEM holds for their futures.
A huge thank you to WEHI and the Deadly Science team for making this program possible and inviting our students to be part of it! This experience has truly sparked new STEM pathways for our students.
Zainab Ali
Experienced Senior teacher (Psychology/Science)
Hospitality Update
Year 10 High Tea
This semester, our Year 10 Introduction to Hospitality classes embarked on an exciting new unit centered around planning and hosting a High Tea event. Over the term, students honed their skills by trialing various recipes, mastering the art of making tea and coffee, and applying their Term 1 knowledge to select suitable cold beverages. They also developed their creative side by practicing napkin folding, designing themed invitations, and thoughtfully curating food and beverage menus.
To make the event truly special, the staff of Bellbird Park and students’ parents were invited to attend. Tickets for the High Tea went on sale, creating an air of anticipation.
In the week leading up to the event, students worked diligently to prepare both hot and cold menu items, transforming the dining room to reflect their carefully chosen theme. Amidst the flurry of last-minute tasks, Class 10B successfully hosted their Masquerade High Tea on Thursday, November 7.
The event was a resounding success! Guests were served on time with beautifully presented dishes and beverages. Staff also had the option of dine-in or takeaway, making it a flexible and enjoyable experience. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the impressive dining room setup, the students’ professionalism, and, of course, the delicious food and drinks.
Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and outstanding effort in creating a memorable event!
On Friday, November 8, Class 10A hosted their spectacular Christmas High Tea, marking a strong finish to the semester. Students worked tirelessly to transform the dining room into a festive wonderland, preparing an array of delicious food and beverages to serve their guests promptly.
As our guests arrived, they were warmly welcomed and escorted to their seats, where they experienced first-class service from our Bellbird Park students. The effort and professionalism of the students shone brightly, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Guests raved about the beautifully themed room, the students’ exceptional service, and the quality of the food and beverages.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible staff and parents who supported this event—it truly wouldn’t have been possible without you. After all, without our wonderful guests, the students might have been tempted to enjoy all their hard work themselves!
Following a well-deserved weekend of rest (for the teacher, more than the students!), the event evaluations were completed, and it was clear that the students had successfully navigated this exciting new High Tea unit.
We hope the students enjoyed their journey through Hospitality this year, and we look forward to seeing these talented individuals back in class next year. Congratulations on a job well done!
Ruth Jonsson
Food studies teacher & Hospitality Coordinator
Junior Maths News
Junior Students Excel in Mathematics at Bellbird Park State Secondary College
Bellbird Park State Secondary College is celebrating outstanding achievements in mathematics among its junior students. In Term 4, students undertake two significant assessment tasks, and the results from the first task have already demonstrated their hard work and dedication.
Year 7 students achieved an impressive 90% A-C rate in their exam on prime factors and square numbers, showcasing their growing number skills. Meanwhile, Year 8 students excelled in algebra, achieving an 87% A-C rate on their exam, a reflection of their ability to tackle more complex mathematical concepts.
Year 9 students stood out with a remarkable 95% A-C rate in an assignment analysing sales statistics, demonstrating their ability to apply mathematical understanding to real-world scenarios.
These results are a testament to the dedication of Bellbird Park’s students and the guidance of their committed teachers. Our
Congratulations to all students for their outstanding efforts! The future of mathematics at Bellbird Park is looking bright.
Liz McNulty
Junior Math Success Coordinator
Student Support Team Update
Our Year 9 students had an amazing experience at the Maori and Pasifika INSPIA event at The University of Queensland on Wednesday 20 November. The day was filled with insightful workshops on future aspirations, cultural identity, and the life of a student at university, which encouraged our students to envision their educational paths.
The highlight of the day was hearing stories from current students, who shared their experiences and challenges, inspiring our students to pursue their dreams. The campus tour allowed them to explore the beautiful grounds and imagine themselves as future scholars.
A special thank you to Ms Berking for organising this enriching trip. Her efforts made it possible for our students to engage fully and gain valuable insights. This excursion not only inspired our students but also strengthened their cultural identities, leaving a lasting impact on their educational journeys.
Wally Ropati
Community Liaison Officer
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