19 September 2025
From the Executive Principal
My thanks to the Bellbird Park SSC staff, student, and parent community for your combined efforts in a busy, productive and highly successful Term 3. It has been wonderful to celebrate our thriving school environment both in and out of the classroom as the term progressed. Our students are consistently demonstrating an outstanding commitment to our values of responsibility, integrity, effort and support and this is contributing to our wonderful environment and continued school success that I am so proud of. I hope you enjoy this final newsletter of the term.
Student Leadership Induction Ceremony
On Monday this week we had the great pleasure of celebrating and inducting our student leadership team for 2025/2026. It was wonderful to share this ceremony with our Year 8 and Year 11 cohorts, along with parents and special guests - Aunty Mireea Davidson and Paul Tully (Division 2 Councillor). Congratulations to our new college captains Zebastian and Aaliyah 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 Dawn and Tamatea.
Music Showcase
Last week our talented Instrumental Music students took the stage for a special evening concert, showcasing their dedication and hard work to family and close friends. Throughout the year, these students have committed to their lessons and ensemble rehearsals, and their performances were a testament to their skill and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the quality of their music.
Celebrating Staff Success
We are incredibly proud to announce that three of our outstanding staff members have been shortlisted for this year’s TEACHX Awards!
Jason Hubbard – Excellence in Beginning to Teach
Nicole Turnbull – Outstanding Contribution to School Community
David Moran – Excellence in Teaching
The TEACHX Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers in Queensland. The Bellbird Park SSC community is thrilled to recognise your achievements.
Winners will be announced on October 31.
Class of 2025 - The Final Chapter Begins
Our Year 12 students are entering the final stretch of their school journey. From their first day in Prep to their Year 6 graduation, and their transition into high school at BPSSC, it’s been a remarkable 13-year journey. These students are a testament to the strength of our school community, and we thank everyone who has supported them along the way. We know our seniors will finish strong, backed by the encouragement of staff, peers, and families who believe in their potential. Their achievements are a reflection of the strength, support, and spirit of our entire school community – we look forward to sharing their final term of schooling at BPSSC.
Bellbird Park SSC has been abuzz with activity and enjoyment both within and outside the classroom, we couldn’t be prouder of our school, and we thank you for your part in that. We have had an excellent term at BPSSC, please be safe over the holidays. Term 4 resumes on Tuesday 07 October.
Michael West
Executive Principal
Deputies Corner
It’s hard to believe our Year 7 students are nearly at the end of their very first year of high school! This has been a year of growth, learning, and new experiences. From making new friendships, adjusting to high school routines, and tackling new subjects, our students have shown great resilience and enthusiasm. They are now working hard to complete their end-of-year assessments and making thoughtful choices about their subjects for Year 8. We are so proud of the way they have embraced high school life and are setting themselves up for success in the years ahead.
As we celebrate our current Year 7s, we are also looking forward with excitement to the arrival of our 2026 Year 7 cohort. Our enrolment sessions are already underway, and it has been a pleasure to meet so many new families who are ready to begin their Bellbird Park journey. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for families to get to know our school, our teachers, and the opportunities available to students. If you haven’t yet enrolled your child for Year 7 in 2026, we encourage you to do so soon – places are filling quickly, and enrolling early ensures your child can take part in our transition activities. Don’t delay – enrol now and give your child the best start to high school.
One of the highlights of our school calendar this term has been Culture Night. This special evening brought together students, families, and community members to celebrate the rich diversity of our school. The performances, food, music, and atmosphere made it a night to remember! Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported our students – the pride and joy captured in the photos tells the story better than words ever could.
As we continue planning for 2026 and beyond, we want to make sure our programs and events reflect what matters most to our families. If you have any feedback, ideas, or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with us here: https://forms.office.com/r/BvV4NkMkw4
Melissa Fields
Deputy Principal – Inclusion & Year 7
Mobile Phone Social Media Use & Digital Safety
In today’s digital age, teenagers are spending more time on screens than ever before. From smartphones to laptops, screens are an integral part of their daily lives, facilitating education, social interaction, and entertainment. However, managing screentime is crucial for their overall well-being.
Some students are indeed spending large amounts of time on their mobile devices. Some of the students I have talked to reported being on their phones for up to 60 hours in one week. This is an average of over 8 hours of device time per day.
Research tells us that excessive screentime can lead to various health issues, including eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, making it harder for teenagers to get a good night's rest. Moreover, prolonged use of screens can contribute to sedentary behaviour, and increases the risk of health problems. We are also seeing an increase in students being late to school (often brought about by mobile phone use late at night/early morning)
Beyond physical health, excessive screentime can affect mental and emotional well-being. Social media, in particular, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among teenagers. The constant exposure to curated images and the pressure to gain likes and followers can create unrealistic expectations and foster a sense of inadequacy.
Balancing screentime is essential. Encouraging regular breaks, promoting physical activities, and setting screen-free times, especially before bed, can help mitigate the negative effects. Educating teenagers about the potential impacts of excessive screentime and fostering healthy digital habits are key steps towards ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of technology without compromising their health and happiness.
Although our students at Bellbird Park are not permitted to use their mobile phones during the school day, we often see that their mobile online experiences move to after school and home, and so we ask for your support in a whole community approach to keeping our students safe online. Unfortunately we also see many mis-behaviours at school have stemmed from inappropriate social media use outside of school.
To support students in enhancing their digital identities, the Queensland Department of Education’s Cybersafety and Reputation Management team suggest that parents and guardians talk to their teens and ensure they enact the following 7 steps to keep their digital footprint positive:
- Google yourself—Check your name and online usernames to make sure you're happy with what is out there. If you find any negative content, delete it or report to the website where it is hosted. If you find an old social media account, take steps to remove it. If you have lost access to these accounts, contact the social media provider and request it be deleted.
- Privacy overhaul—Stay on top of your privacy settings, social media platforms change these frequently. Set accounts to 'private' or 'friends only' to limit who sees your posts. The less people who see it, the less chance there is for something to go wrong.
- Un-tag yourself—Have you been tagged in an embarrassing photo or video? Ask the person to delete it. If they won't, report the post and un-tag it yourself. Never share or tag photos and videos of others without their permission.
- Unfriend/unfollow—Have you added a stranger? If you don't know and trust them in your real world, delete or block them. Don't be fooled by fake profiles or mutual friend suggestions.
- Make positive choices—Stay in control of your online world. If you make poor choices while on social media or online games, there may be social or legal consequences. Remember, anything can be screen captured. Keep your online interactions positive, useful and true.
- Build your brand—What you say and post could affect your future. Use the power of social media to brand yourself and connect to professional networks. Share your achievements, talents and passions online. Use your social media accounts to put positive messages out into the world.
- Remember… Treat others the way you would like to be treated. If you or a friend are experiencing a difficult time online, reach out for some offline support.
Gavin Grant
Deputy Principal – Year 8
It has been another fantastic term with the Year 9s. I have been so impressed with how students have applied themselves right to the very end. Students have been working hard in their classes finishing assessment and putting a significant amount of effort into their learning. Their hard work has been recognised this term with many students receiving an Effort Award as well as an Academic Award. Students will have a further opportunity to receive an Academic Award in Term 4.
In addition to students finalising assessment, they continue to take steps on their leadership journey. Part of their leadership requires students to give back to the College. It was great seeing our Junior Captains represent the College at the annual Queensland Principal’s Association Conference where our Captains presented to over 500 Principals from around Queensland. It was so impressive watching them talk through their leadership project. Our students were also invited to sit on a panel with Sharon Shimming and present their ideas on school improvement. This is quite an achievement!
As we enter the final 10 weeks of the year, there are still many opportunities for students to be involved with school activities including attendance rewards, PBL events and lunch time activities.
On behalf of the Year 9 Team, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday. Looking forward to seeing everyone back for Term 4.
Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal – Year 9
As Term 3 wraps up and we head into a well-deserved spring break, it’s the perfect time to take a breather, reflect on what’s been achieved so far, and get ready for the final push of the school year.
The past term has been full of challenges, milestones, and steady progress—from assessments to sports, performances, and everything in between. Whether you’ve had a strong term or faced a few setbacks, this break is a valuable opportunity to rest, reset, and return with fresh energy.
Term 4 is always a big one. For year 10 students, it means block exams, end-of-year events like our Semi Formal, and important decisions about the next steps—engaging in your planned pathway for Year 11 and 12 in preparation for adulthood and Year 13. It’s also a time when the effort you’ve put in all year really begins to show.
I encourage all students to take some time over the break to relax, spend time with friends and family, and recharge. But also, take a moment to think about your goals for the last term. What do you want to achieve? What support might you need? How can you finish the year feeling proud of your growth?
Enjoy the holidays—we’ll see you back soon, ready to finish strong!
Carla Pantano
Associate Principal - Year 10
Administration Matters
Finance Reminder
Please ensure all your student financial accounts are finalised as soon as possible – contact the administration office should you wish to discuss payment options.
Week 1 Public Holiday
Due to the public holiday on Monday 6 October, the uniform shop will be open on Tuesday 7 October from 8.00am – 11.00am for Week 1 only.
Signing out & Early Departure Procedure
As our College continues to grow, it is imperative that our processes are regularly reviewed and communicated. Bellbird Park State Secondary College values Teaching and Learning and we encourage this process for all of the term to avoid disruptions to student learning.
- Please ensure there is a note in your student's diary, written by the Parent/Carer
- Your student hands the note into Student Services by 8:40am and receives a Leave Request Pass.
- Your student shows their class teacher the Leave Request Pass at the beginning of their lesson and leaves the class quietly at the pre-arranged time.
- Your student waits at Student Services until the Parent/Carer arrives at the Main Administration Office. The student is then signed out and departs the College with the Parent/Carer.
The Administration Staff will only make phone calls to the classrooms when it is an emergency situation. Parents/Carers who arrive during class time without prior arrangement will have to wait until the next scheduled break.
Early Departure due to Illness
A parent or the nominated emergency contact will be notified via phone call that their child needs to be collected due to illness. The student needs to be collected as soon as possible from the Administration Building. For the health and safety of the student we cannot allow the student to be released and meet the nominated contact in the carpark. The authorised person will need to come and safely collect their student form the Administration Foyer.
Your assistance with this is appreciated.
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From the Head of Department
Teaching and Learning – Head of Department
BPSSC is Harnessing the Power of Digital Learning Platforms to Create Confident, Ambitious, Independent Learners.
At our College, we are committed to supporting every student in becoming a confident, ambitious, independent learner. The digital world offers increasingly powerful tools to help in this, and BPSSC is investing in building the capacity of our teachers and students to leverage these tools to transforming the way o ur students access resources, organise their learning, and engage with academic language.
Now that all year levels are using laptops, BPSSC is going to gradually transition Teaching and Learning into the digital learning platform QLearn, through which we will run OneNote and other digital learning tools.
For students, OneNote acts as a digital exercise book that never runs out of pages. It allows them to keep their notes, class activities, and teacher feedback organised in one place. Because it can be accessed across devices, students can continue their learning at home just as easily as they can in the classroom. The ability to add text, images, audio, and even video means that learners can personalise their study methods to suit their own strengths and preferences. This flexibility in accessing resources is key to developing independent study habits, which are an essential skill for success at school and beyond.
QLearn, Queensland’s online learning hub, further extends this independence. Through QLearn, students have access to high-quality digital resources tailored to the Australian Curriculum, including interactive lessons, worked examples, and revision materials. Importantly, QLearn supports students in building their academic language. The platform allows students to practice responding in structured ways, to practice using subject-specific vocabulary, sentence structures, and academic writing conventions, helping students strengthen the way they communicate.
For parents and carers, these platforms also open a valuable window into their child’s learning journey. OneNote allows parents to view classwork, drafts and resources, giving them a clearer sense of the skills their child is developing and where they may need extra support. QLearn makes it easy to see the curriculum-aligned resources students are working with, which helps parents provide meaningful guidance at home. Whether it’s checking the structure of a science report, helping with planning, or encouraging revision before an exam, these platforms allow parents to assist with confidence.
As education continues to evolve, these platforms are ensuring that our students are not only keeping pace but are developing the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Together, embracing tools like OneNote and QLearn are helping us to create a community of confident, independent and ambitious young learners. In a fast-changing world, I can’t imagine a better way to build strong foundations for future success.
Benjamin Turnour
Head of Teaching and Learning
Head of Year Report
Liz McNulty – Year 7
Mr Taylor’s Year 7 Humanities students have been hard at work learning all about one of Australia’s most famous landmarks – Uluru! As part of their assignment, the students created colourful, informative posters packed with fun facts, maps, and images to showcase what makes Uluru so special.
From its cultural importance to the Anangu people, to its stunning natural features, the posters really highlight just how much there is to discover about this incredible place. The classroom has been buzzing with creativity as students shared ideas, researched, and added their own flair to their designs.
It’s been wonderful to see our Year 7s dive into the project with so much enthusiasm – their posters are both eye-catching and educational, and they should be very proud of their efforts!
Mr Ramon Carreon – Year 8
The year 8 students have had a busy but productive term. Term 3 can no doubt have its challenges, but the Year 8 cohort seemed to handle them all while showing our RISE values. Below are just a few things the Year 8s have been up to in recent weeks.
Year 8 Attendance Lock-In
To celebrate excellent attendance, Year 8 students who had 90% attendance enjoyed a fun rewards evening. They spent time playing video games, watching movies, joining in sports and karaoke, and enjoying plenty of snacks and pizza.
Year 8 Rugby Boys Grand Final
The Year 8 Rugby League Academy boys had a fantastic season, making it all the way to the grand final. They put in a strong effort and finished second overall – a great achievement to be proud of.
Academic and Effort Awards
Several Year 8 students were recognised for their hard work and dedication in class. Awards were presented for both academic success and consistent effort.
Attendance Mondays
Each Monday, students take time to reflect on their attendance. They review their progress, set goals, and think about how to keep improving.
Studying During Lunch Breaks
Many Year 8 students have shown great initiative by giving up some of their lunchtime to study and prepare for assessments. This shows real commitment to their learning.
Girls Rugby League Season
The Year 8 girls finished up another exciting rugby league season, showing teamwork, determination, and school spirit on the field.
Black Dog Presentation
Students attended the Black Dog Institute’s presentation, learning about mental health and strategies for looking after their wellbeing and supporting others.
Whole School Athletics Carnival
Year 8 joined the whole school for a fun and competitive athletics carnival. Students participated in a range of events, showing energy, teamwork, and house pride.
We hope all the students take time these holidays to rest up, reflect, and enjoy a well deserve break. We have confidence knowing the Year 8s will be ready to finish the year strong in Term 4!
Pippa West – Year 9
As Term 3 ends, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and congratulate our Year 9 students on a fantastic term. The commitment shown to the RISE expectations has been evident across classrooms and throughout the school community.
Pat Cronin Foundation Presentation
This term, we were fortunate to host the Pat Cronin Foundation, who delivered an important educational presentation to our Year 9 and 10 cohorts. The session engaged students and empowered them to make positive changes within the school and wider community, while providing strategies to support positive decision-making. The key messages from this presentation will continue to guide students in their choices and relationships.
Academic Achievements
Our Year 9 students also celebrated their successes at the recent Academic Awards Ceremony, where many were recognised for achieving their academic goals. Congratulations to all recipients – your hard work and dedication is to be commended!
Week 8 is Great
At Bellbird, we love celebrating Week 8 is Great! All Junior and Senior students had the opportunity to participate in a range of fun and engaging activities designed to strengthen connections and promote school spirit. It was fantastic to see so many Year 9 students involved and supporting their peers. We are already looking forward to next term’s celebrations!
Leadership Highlights – Triple C Challenge
We would like to acknowledge our Year 9 College Captains and House Captains, who have worked tirelessly on their Triple C Challenge – Connect, Culture, and Confidence. These leaders organised activities that strengthened student engagement, fostered belonging and encouraged healthy relationships among peers. Impressively, our College Captains also presented their Triple C Campaign at the Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association (QSPA) Conference, showcasing their leadership and innovation in ensuring all students at Bellbird feel connected and engaged. We are incredibly proud of their achievements. This Triple C legacy will continue next year with our incoming College and House Captains.
Attendance and Engagement
With only one term remaining in Junior Secondary, it is essential that Year 9 students maintain strong attendance and engagement to ensure a smooth transition into Senior Schooling. Every lesson counts, and consistent attendance helps set students up for success.
Looking Ahead to Term 4
Term 4 promises to be another exciting term for Year 9, with several key events:
Week 2: Mental Health Week activities, promoting wellbeing and resilience.
Week 4: Batyr Presentation, focusing on student wellbeing and positive mental health strategies.
Week 5: UQ Know Your Strength Presentation
Week 6: UQ Know Your Strength Presentation
Week 8: Week 8 is Great Activities
Week 9: Academic/Sports Awards
Finishing Junior Secondary Strong
Term 4 is the perfect opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, reflect on their achievements, and get ready for success as they move into Senior School. We encourage every Year 9 student to stay focused on their goals, continue engaging positively in class and make the most of every opportunity right up until the last day of term.
Thank you again for your support throughout Term 3. We are looking forward to another exciting and rewarding term ahead for our Year 9 students!
Taylor Leighton – Year 11
It has been a wonderful term for the Year 11 students.
Students have been working very hard with their Senior curriculum and have been working towards obtaining marks to go towards their QCE. Along with this, all Year 11 students have been working with their Pathways teachers to complete their FSK qualification, which will give them extra QCE points once the qualification is complete.
Over the last few weeks, the Year 11 students have had presentations from UQ about life after school and also yLead, which spoke about leadership and different skills and strategies that the whole cohort can bring to their Year 12 journey. The students engaged positively in both of these presentations and we hope they can take what they have learnt into Term 4 and into 2026 as leaders of Bellbird Park SSC.
Finally, on Monday of Week 10, we inducted our 2026 leaders in a Leadership Induction Ceremony. A huge congratulations to all students who were successful in their House Captain, Prefect and School Captain appointments. We look forward to seeing what you all accomplish together as a leadership team and the legacy you will leave behind at the end of 2026.
I hope you have a wonderful and restful break and are ready for Term 4!
Diverse Learners
Celebrating a Successful Diversity Transition Day at Bellbird Park SSC
Bellbird Park State Secondary College was proud to host a successful Diversity Transition Day this term on Friday 5 September 2025, welcoming 12 families who will be joining our community in 2026. The day was designed to provide a warm and supportive introduction to our school, ensuring families and students felt connected, valued, and ready for the exciting journey ahead.
The event began with an enrolment information session, giving families the opportunity to ask questions and understand the support available for students with diverse needs. Following this, students and their families enjoyed a variety of engaging activities including:
Cake in a Mug – a sweet and simple cooking activity
Art and Beading Projects – creative sessions that encouraged self-expression
DIY Stress Balls – practical and fun tools to support wellbeing
Basketball – an energetic activity to build teamwork and connection
As a special memento, each family took home a potted Jade plant to nurture and watch grow – a symbol of resilience, growth, and the positive journey ahead at Bellbird Park SSC.
Looking ahead, these students will also join the whole school transition day at the end of Term 4, giving them the opportunity to meet peers and teachers while becoming familiar with the school environment.
We encourage families of Year 6 students with complex needs enrolling in Year 7 in 2026 to reach out to the Diversity Department for support and planning as we continue preparing for future transition days.
Contact us at: diversity@bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au
At Bellbird Park SSC, we are committed to building strong partnerships with families and ensuring every student has the best possible start to secondary school life.
Carolyn Holt
Junior Diversity Coordinator
Fresh Futures Expo
On 30 September, a group of our students attended the Fresh Futures Expo in Ipswich with Miss Burston. The Fresh Futures Expo is a valuable event designed to help young people explore opportunities for life after school. Students had the chance to meet and talk with a wide range of service providers who offer support with employment, training, and transition pathways.
The expo gave students a chance to ask questions, gather resources, and discover the many services available to help them move confidently into the workforce. It was an engaging and informative experience that encouraged our students to start thinking about their goals and the support networks that can help them succeed.
IEA Meet and Greet
On Thursday 16 October 2025, Bellbird Park State Secondary College will host a Meet and Greet event from 12:00pm–1:00pm in the F Block Diversity Hub. Families of Year 10–12 students who have disabilities, or who have accessed additional support at school, are warmly invited to attend.
The event will bring together a range of agencies dedicated to supporting young people as they prepare to transition from school to employment. Families will have the opportunity to connect with service providers, ask questions, and explore pathways available through the new Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) framework.
Invited agencies include atWork Australia, Mylestones Employment, CoAct, APM Employment Services, Sureway Employment and Training, Endeavour Foundation, Max Employment, WISE Employment, yourtown, VERTO, and Match Works.
This event is a valuable chance for families to discover the many supports available to help students take their next steps confidently and successfully. Please RSVP by Monday 13 October to diversity@bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au
Louise Burston
Experienced Senior Teacher
eSports Rocket League
Success at FUSE Cup
BPSSC’s eSports program had a standout day at the recent FUSE Cup tournament, with two Rocket League teams representing our school with skill, humility, and excellent sportsmanship.
Team 1 - Throughout the tough tournament, Joey & Hunter navigated a competitive group stage with composure and teamwork, progressing easily to the semi-finals. Their run came to an end at the semis, but was built on smart gameplay, calm decision-making, and clear communication while under pressure. What a duo!
Team 2 - Colby & Lachy produced one of the day’s most emphatic stand-out performances with a whopping 10–0 (ten-nil) victory, making it one of the most popular games to watch for the crowd. Their hard work paid off with a run through to the quarter finals, but they were sadly beaten in the end.
While we celebrate these achievements, we are equally proud of how our students conducted themselves throughout the event. I was amazed by their maturity in supporting each other, acknowledging opponents, and reflecting constructively after each match.
Our eSports program continues to offer rich learning opportunities that extend well beyond the scoreboard, developing crucial 21st Century Skills such as resilience, critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and digital citizenship. And this effort shone through in the day’s competition.
A warm thank you to the FUSE Cup organisers, supervising staff, and the students who cheered from the sidelines during every game. Congratulations to Joey, Hunter, Colby, and Lachy - you represented our BPSSC community with distinction and have set a strong example for future teams.
We look forward to building on this momentum as our eSports program continues to move on to the next challenge - the South-East Qld Multi-Sports League (SEQeL). Keep an eye on upcoming results as we send more eSports teams into battle in the weeks ahead.
Matthew Beattie
Experienced Teacher
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