28 February 2025

From the Principal

At Bellbird Park State Secondary College, we honour the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land and acknowledge the Purga and Deebing Creek Mission Descendants for their deep connection to Country. We are committed to embedding First Nations perspectives throughout our school, respecting the knowledge, culture, and traditions of Elders past and present. Through meaningful partnerships and educational initiatives, we strive to create an inclusive learning environment that celebrates and empowers First Nations students and communities.

A Strong Start in 2025

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Bellbird Park community for the warm welcome I’ve received since stepping into the role of Principal. It is clear that our college has a strong vision, a purposeful direction, and a focused improvement plan to support every student in reaching their full potential.

I also want to acknowledge the deep commitment to our RISE values — Responsibility, Integrity, Support, and Effort—which are evident in every aspect of school life. These values are not just words; they shape our classrooms, sporting fields, and community engagement, guiding us toward excellence and opening up limitless opportunities for our students.

Our Focus for 2025 – A Roadmap for Success

Earlier this year, our P&C endorsed the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2025, which outlines our key priorities for the year ahead. At the heart of this plan is a key goal: increasing the proportion of students achieving a C or better in all subjects. This has been a central theme in our year-level assemblies, where I have encouraged students to reflect on their learning and take ownership of their progress. The full AIP is available here.

The AIP is structured around four key pillars:

🔹 Successful Learners – We are committed to improving attendance and engagement, ensuring every student is in class, actively participating, and making the most of their learning opportunities.
🔹 Collaborative Professionals – We are strengthening teaching and learning practices by enhancing personalised support, digital skills, and student engagement, fostering a school environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is supported to succeed.
🔹 Systematic Curriculum Delivery – We are aligning our curriculum and assessment to the Australian Curriculum (Version 9), ensuring a consistent and high-quality learning experience across Years 7–12 while fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
🔹 Community and Culture – As a vibrant multicultural school, we are committed to empowering students and staff to contribute to college life, strengthening student voice and agency to ensure every student has a role in shaping our school community.

Building a Strong Learning Culture

This year, we remain dedicated to our ‘Foundations First’ agenda, reinforcing the essential routines and expectations that support every student’s learning. Structured classroom transitions, clear learning goals, and high-impact teaching strategies are central to our approach, ensuring focus and engagement in every lesson.

It has been inspiring to witness students demonstrating strong entry and exit routines, preparedness for learning, and a commitment to success. As I connect with students across the school, I am reminded of the power of deep learning connections—understanding students’ interests, passions, and aspirations. When students take ownership of their learning journey, they build confidence and strive for excellence.

Celebrating Excellence

A highlight of the term was our Awards Night, where we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students. It was an incredible evening that showcased the dedication, resilience, and diverse talents within our school community. Congratulations to all award recipients, including our Junior Dux Narishma Prasad and Senior Dux, Tim Nguyen, who were recognised for their exceptional achievements. It was very special to have Michael West, Foundation Principal return with a range of special guests to congratulate students for their outstanding accomplishments in 2024. 

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I also extend a warm welcome to our Year 7 students and families. Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone, and I have been pleased to see our newest students settling in, building connections, and embracing the learning culture at Bellbird Park.

Stay Connected

Our P&C AGM will be held on Monday, 10 March, at 5:30 pm at the college, with an option to join online via Teams. The P&C plays a vital role in supporting the school, and we encourage interested parents to get involved. If you’d like to join, please email PandC@bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au.

To stay updated with the latest news, student achievements, and upcoming events, be sure to follow Bellbird Park State Secondary College on Facebook and Instagram.

I look forward to continuing to connect with students, staff, and families as we embark on an exciting year ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to make 2025 a year of growth, excellence, and success for every student.

Mr Timothy Barraud
Principal

Deputies Corner

Welcome to Our BPSSC Community – Class of 2030

A warm welcome to all our new families joining the BPSSC community. The start of high school is an exciting milestone, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our school family. It has been a fantastic start to the year, with our newest cohort settling in well, forming new friendships, and embracing the opportunities that high school offers.

Our staff have been incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm and resilience shown by our students. Transitioning to high school comes with new experiences and responsibilities, and we are here to support every step of the way.

Top Tips for Staying Organised in High School To help students and families navigate this journey smoothly, here are our top tips for staying organised:

• Master the Timetable – Encourage your child to review their timetable daily and ensure they pack their bag the night before with the correct books and equipment.
• Use the School Diary – Keeping track of homework, key dates, and upcoming assessments in the student diary is essential. Parents can also check this regularly to stay informed.
• Know the Assessment Schedule – Familiarise yourself with the assessment calendar to plan ahead. This prevents last-minute stress and allows time to ask for help if needed.
• Establish a Study Routine – Setting aside dedicated time for homework and revision each afternoon helps build good study habits and reinforces learning.
• Stay Connected – Regularly check school communication channels, such as newsletters, emails, and the parent portal, to stay up to date with important information.
• Ask for Help – Encourage your child to reach out to their teachers, year coordinators, or student support services if they need assistance.

We are committed to ensuring a successful and enriching high school experience for every student. If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead.

Ms Melissa Fields
Deputy Principal Year 7

FUTURE MINDSETS

At Bellbird Park, we believe that success is built on perseverance, resilience, and a Growth Mindset. We are committed to helping our students develop grit and the confidence to overcome challenges in both their studies and daily lives. Every student has the potential to succeed, regardless of their background. Our passion lies in equipping students with the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s world.

Taking Challenges, using effective Effort, taking and using feedback and learning from mistakes are also key fundamentals to building habits that lead towards a Growth future mindset which in turn will effectively help individual growth, achieve goals and gain success- not just in academic areas but as a person.

Why do students do NAPLAN?

NAPLAN online for Year 7 and Year 9’s will occur from 12^th March to 19^th March.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

As students progress through their school years, it is important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy.

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

New Staff Welcome 

This year, we have had the pleasure of welcoming over 30 new staff members to our college. They bring a diverse range of talents and expertise, from enthusiastic new graduates to professionals transitioning into teaching from other careers, as well as experienced educators joining us through transfers. We warmly welcome each of them and are confident they will make valuable contributions to the vibrant and diverse culture of our school community.

Mr Gavin Grant
Deputy Principal Year 8

I am very excited to return to BPSSC in 2025 following my maternity leave and slide back into my role as Associate Principal for Years 7-12. Within my role I oversee the leadership of Teaching and Learning across the college as well as the wellbeing, behaviour and academics of the Year 10 cohort alongside Miss Menjivar.

Year 10 is a pivotal year in a student’s educational journey, serving as the bridge between the foundation years of high school and the more specialised focus of senior school (Year 11 and 12). It's a year that sets the stage for future academic success and helps students prepare for the challenges of senior years. The content covered in Year 10 forms the foundation for the subjects they will continue in Years 11 and 12. This year is crucial for building strong academic habits, time management skills, and a deeper understanding of subjects that will directly impact their performance in senior school. Year 10 provides opportunities for students to practice exam techniques and preparation strategies. Whether through mock exams, assignments, or assessments, Year 10 is the perfect time to learn how to approach different types of exams and tasks. Students who approach Year 10 assessments seriously and reflect on feedback can use the experience to improve their performance in their senior exams. Students who make the most of Year 10 will be better equipped to handle the demands of senior school and beyond, setting themselves up for a successful future. I feel very privileged to work with this cohort in 2025.

As an educator, I believe that the heart of teaching goes beyond simply delivering content. It is about inspiring students, nurturing their growth, and fostering a classroom environment where every learner feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their full potential.

Mrs Carla Pantano
Associate Principal - Year 10

Semester 1 Assessment Planners Distributed – Stay Organised for Success!

To help our senior students stay organised and prepared for the term ahead, I have printed and handed out Semester 1 Assessment Planners to all Year 11 and 12 students. This planner is an essential tool that will assist students in keeping track of assessment deadlines, planning their study time, and managing their workload effectively.

Why is an Assessment Planner Important?

Senior schooling can be demanding, with multiple assessments across different subjects. Having a structured plan helps students:
📌 Stay organised and avoid last-minute stress
📅 Plan ahead to ensure enough time for preparation and revision
✅ Balance school, work, and personal commitments more effectively
📖 Develop strong time management skills that will be beneficial beyond school

By using their assessment planner, students can take control of their learning and approach their assessments with confidence.

How to Use Your Assessment Planner Effectively

Now that students have their planners, here are some key strategies to make the most of them:
🗓 Record all assessment dates – Keep them in a diary, wall calendar, or digital planner for easy reference.
⏳ Plan backwards from each due date – Allocate time for research, drafting, and final revisions.
✅ Break tasks into smaller steps – Setting mini-goals makes large assignments more manageable.
📚 Stick to a study schedule – Regular study sessions will help retain information and reduce stress.
🙋 Seek support early – If an assessment seems challenging, reach out to teachers for guidance well before the due date.

Accessing Year 11 & 12 Assessment Summaries

For further planning and reference, students and parents can access the Year 11 Term 1 Assessment Summary and Year 12 Unit 3 Assessment Summary on our school website:
Bellbird Park SSC Senior School Curriculum

Parents and caregivers can also support students by checking in on their progress and encouraging good study habits. By staying organised and using their planner effectively, students will be well-prepared for a successful semester.

If students have any questions about their assessment schedule, they are welcome to see me for advice.

Mr Jason English
Deputy Principal Year 11 & 12

Administration Matters

Food for Thought

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Head of Year Report

 Ms West – Year 9

The Year 9 cohort has made an impressive start to the year, demonstrating leadership, kindness and a commitment to personal growth. As the leaders of Junior School, our Year 9 students are stepping up as roles model, setting positive examples for their peers.

One key focus this semester is leadership in the Junior School. Whether through mentoring younger students, leading by example in class or actively participating in school events, year 9 students are embracing the responsibilities that come with their position. It has been wonderful to see them taking initiative and fostering a strong sense of community.

Another highlight has been the promotion of Random Acts of Kindness. Students have been encouraged to make small but meaningful gestures, such as helping others, showing gratitude and supporting their peers. These acts not only brighten someone’s day but also contribute to a positive school culture where kindness is valued and celebrated.

In addition to these leadership and kindness initiatives, year 9 had the opportunity to engage with Queensland Rail, who visited the school to educate students on rail safety. This session provided important insights into staying safe around the train stations and railway tracks, reinforcing the importance of responsible behaviour in public spaces.

Looking ahead, Week 6 will bring Growth Conferencing sessions, where students will meet with their Wellbeing Teacher to reflect on their progress, set personal goals and discuss strategies for success. These meetings are an essential part of their journey, helping them take ownership of their learning and personal development.

With such a strong start to the year, we are excited to see year 9 continue to grow as leaders and positive role models.

Keep up the great work year 9!

The Arts Update

Visual Arts

Bellbird Park Seniors (11 and 12) of visual Art travelled to South Brisbane to see the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Art Gallery and Mural Art in Fish Lane.

Students had a wonderful day out, some experiencing a gallery for the first time and getting hands on experience from workers at the Gallery of Modern art; showing them the artworks and detailing what it is like to set up such a vast exhibition.

Seventy artists, collectives and projects from more than 30 countries featured in the eleventh chapter of the flagship Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) exhibition series, the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.

Media

Year 11 General Film and Media Arts in Practice students have enjoyed learning how to use the DSLR cameras and were tasked with recreating a famous scene from a film. They were able to put into practice their knowledge of camera shots, angles and movements as well as considering continuity between lessons.

Music

Year 10 Music are currently doing a unit called ‘Culture Shock’ where they learn about the music from different countries around the world. This term we have already started playing with Djembes (African Drums). Students have been building their confidence and have enjoyed learning various combinations to perform.

Dance

Year 8 dance have nearly completed their Hip Hop dance for their assessment. They are currently learning about technical and expressive skills that come with the genre and putting it into practice. They are loving every moment of performing and are keen to get as much practice time in as possible. We can’t wait to see how they perform the final dance on stage in our beautiful performing arts centre.

Drama

 Year 9 Drama students were introduced to Commedia dell’Arte, a dynamic and physical style of theatre known for its bold characters and distinctive masks. They enjoyed experimenting with the masks, exploring how they transform movement, expression, and performance.

Sophie Kersnovski
Arts Coordinator

Science Update

In the Science Lab with Year 7

Year 7 Science started off the year learning all about being safe in the lab. We spent time going through lab equipment and how to use it safely. As seen in the photo, we even learned to light a Bunsen burner.

Mel Reisenweber
Science Teacher

In the Science Lab with Year 9

Last week, year 9 students put their knowledge of earthquakes and tectonic plates into action with a hands-on challenge in the science lab. Using toothpicks and Blu-Tack, they worked in teams to design and build structures that could withstand a simulated earthquake.

The activity allowed students to explore how buildings respond to seismic forces, testing their creations on a shaking platform to see which designs held strong. Through this exciting experiment, they gained a deeper understanding of structural stability and the real-world impact of earthquakes.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the practical learning experience, using their problem-solving skills and creativity to develop earthquake-resistant buildings. This experiment reinforced their knowledge of plate tectonics and engineering principles while making science fun and interactive!

Ms Amber Jaremenko
Science Teacher

Dr Tim Kitchen Inspires Creativity with Adobe Express

Recently, the Bellbird’s scholars, and STEAM students from grades 7-10 engaged in an exciting learning experience with renowned creative educator, Dr. Tim Kitchen. Under his guidance, students explored Adobe Express, gaining valuable skills in digital creativity.

Dr. Kitchen has been an educator for over 30 years and has served as Adobe’s Senior Education Specialist for Asia Pacific for the past 12 years. He is a passionate advocate for creativity in education, a best-selling author, and a regular presenter at national and international education events.

Students were challenged to create an animated video—a recycling public service announcement—using the Adobe Express animation tool. The day was a resounding success, with students displaying creativity, engagement, and collaboration throughout the activity.

Bellbird teachers also had the opportunity to participate in a professional development session, working through the Adobe Creative Educator (ACE) Level 1 micro-credential course with Dr. Kitchen. They enhanced their creative and ICT skills using Adobe Express to complete the certification and design a poster. Teachers embraced the learning process with enthusiasm as they explored the power and ease of Adobe Express.

We look forward to incorporating Adobe Express into our classrooms to foster creativity and innovation across various curriculum areas. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kitchen for providing both our students and staff with this unique and valuable learning opportunity.