18 August 2023

From the Executive Principal

It has been wonderful to celebrate our thriving school environment both in and out of the classroom as the term progresses. Our students are consistently demonstrating an outstanding commitment to our values of Responsibility, Integrity, Support and Effort, and this is contributing to our wonderful environment and continued school success that I am so proud of. It’s a great time to be part of Bellbird Park SSC. Energy, enthusiasm, and persistence alter all things and there have been some outstanding examples of this from our school community.

Partnering with Parents

Over the past two weeks we have partnered with parents to ensure we are providing the necessary support to get great outcomes for our current year 9 and 10 students. Our year 9 students completed their sub senior school (SSS) interviews and subject selections for 2024, whilst our year 10 students completed their very significant SET PLANS interviews. The year 9 and 10 interviews are a crucial piece in extending the positive college-student-family relationships that we have created at BPSSC as we work together on the next steps in learning for students. 

Our final Parent Teacher Interviews for 2023 were once again well supported. Please remember that you can communicate with your student’s teachers at any stage during the year. Email is usually the most effective way to make contact, all staff emails are available for parents via our BPSSC website under Our School > Our Staff.

Student Leadership

This week I had the absolute pleasure of listening to our aspiring 2024 junior and senior college captain candidates deliver their leadership speeches to their fellow students. This is not an easy task and each and every applicant spoke with confidence as they outlined their personal values and how they would make a great leader at BPSSC. Our student leaders are custodians of our student voice, culture and have an important role in our school community as they build on the legacy of those before them. I have been particularly impressed with aspiring student leaders and I have great confidence that we will find a strong group of student leaders to build on the successes of this year for 2024.  Our future at BPSSC is in great hands.

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Our Semester One Student Results – Planning for 2024

In our last newsletter we celebrated the academic success of our senior students. Similarly, our junior secondary students have been making exceptional progress in their learning, which was evident in their most recent report cards. At BPSSC I subscribe to the notion of good to great. In many ways we are already a great school, but there is always room for improvement. In 2024 we are going to build on the great momentum that we have generated in recent years to really ‘zero-in’ on delivering some high impact strategies in our year 7 to 9 cohorts, so that we can deliver superior and sustainable performance. Watch this space! 

Mr Michael West
Executive Principal

Deputies Corner

Year 7

You would have recently received your child’s report card along with NAPLAN results.  We are very proud of the achievement of students in Year 7 with a large number of students receiving all As and Bs across all of their subjects.  This shows dedication, perseverance and students applying themselves in their learning.  As we enter the assessment phase of the term, it is timely to remind students to view assessment as an opportunity to demonstrate all they have learned.  Every day, in each lesson, it requires focus and determination to RISE to the challenge.  Students who have demonstrated high levels of effort and achievement on their report cards will be acknowledged at our Mid-Year Awards Ceremony on 28 August.  If your child is receiving an award, you will receive an invitation to attend the ceremony.  It is a fantastic event.  We also recognise some students require further support to reach a satisfactory achievement level. This term in Maths and English, we will be providing additional in-class support as well as small group assistance around draft due dates and the final due dates.  It is our goal to ensure all students achieve at a satisfactory level or higher.  We will send further information on our academic support program shortly.

Along with academic achievement, we also have high standards for behaviour. Our recent focus has been on arriving to class with all equipment and on time.  When in class, students are to follow teacher instructions so they can get the very best out of the learning time.  Our high standards of behaviour also extend into lunch breaks. There are many available activities to engage students and to assist in forming positive peer relationships.  We would love to see more students participating in these activities.  I would also like to recognise and celebrate students who have demonstrated excellent behaviour and leadership qualities.  These students have been appointed as RISE Reps and will assist in leading lunch time activities. We are really proud of them and look forward to seeing how they grow in their leadership roles.

I would like to welcome Ms Pippa West to the Year 7 team as our new Head of Year 7.  She comes highly experienced and is excited to lead our Year 7 students.

Ms Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal Year 7

"We have such an inclusive team; always have and probably always will”

I recently heard Australian Matildas soccer captain Sam Kerr say this to the media and rings true for our community here at Bellbird Park State Secondary College.  We know that when teams include everybody and stand in unity, that team becomes a safe haven and performs better.           

I would like to take this time to acknowledge Bellbird’s inclusive nature, whether it be cultural backgrounds, genders, ages and even perspectives. Our college’s inclusion practices provide the necessary support that out students need to excel in academics and helps them develop social skills so they can be independent adults.

Back to the Matildas…the players, many of whom are part of the LGBTQIA+ community: inclusion is something they cherish and embrace as a team, building their culture over years so that everybody could feel safe and comfortable being themselves…just like the culture at Bellbird Park State Secondary College.

Good luck to our Matildas as they take on Switzerland and battle for the bronze medal!

Mr Jason English
Deputy Principal Year 8

Organization and Multitasking

 Studying full time, participating in school activities, social life and family life – things students have to juggle every day. At times students may feel overwhelmed and feel worried how to complete all the tasks. For this reason, we encourage students at Bellbird Park to be organised and active learners. Taking small steps towards a big task like an upcoming assignment, exam or an event will bring a sense of achievement and calm to your busy life.

Creating positive organisational habit in Year 7 and 8 will help complete the tasks to the best of your ability now and in the future. The assessment due dates for Year 7 – 9 for Term 3 can be found here.

Students are encouraged to print and display the assessment schedule where it is visible. The due dates for all subjects will aid the student to stay organised and not feel overwhelmed when the assessment is due. Over the term you receive A LOT of content and information in each of your classes. It is important that you look back over your work, break it into small chunks and re write into your own words on a regular basis.

Year 9s have successfully completed the process of subject selection for Year 10 2024. It has been a wonderful time when students in Year 9 have had the opportunity to think about their pathways in senior school and how this will shape their future. 

We are at the middle juncture of Term 3 and have some exciting events coming up like our academic award ceremony. On another note, Week 6 means mid-term exams for many of your subjects. Ensure you give yourself the best possibility for success by maintaining your attendance and having a healthy sleep schedule. After the SSS interviews, the Year 9 students have been buzzing about the choices they make for Year 10. Some students will need to improve their results in the core subjects to be able to choose General subjects. Work hard towards your goal, it is doable.

Ms Gouri Sharma
Deputy Principal Year 9

Year 10

Firstly, I would like to formally announce that Ms Downie has been successful in obtaining the Head of Diversity role here at Bellbird Park State Secondary. Ms Downie has been the key contact for Year 10 families for the past 2.5 years, taking our students from Year 8 through to Year 10. The growth of our students under Mrs Downie’s leadership has been outstanding due to her passion and expertise within middle school education. I wish Ms Downie the very best in her new role.

Introducing Mr Cheung          

This week we welcome Mr Cheung as our Head of Year 10. Mr Cheung will be acting as Head of Year 10 for the remainder of the term as the state wide recruitment process is underway. Mr Cheung is a valued member of our college community with a speciality in mathematics and positive behaviour for learning.  Please join me in welcoming Mr Cheung to the Year 10 team. Mr Cheung is the first port of call for questions about your child progress, attendance or wellbeing.         

Semi Formal

A reminder that our Year 10 semi formal is fast approaching to be held on Thursday 24 November at The Springlake Hotel. Students will be provided with a clearance form to cross check they have met prerequisites to attend this special event. Now is a good time to reflect on attendance progress and ensure sound study habits in the lead up to assessment. Please contact Mr Cheung if you have any questions about our 2023 Year 10 Semi Formal and clearance processes.

Amy Brown
Deputy Principal

Administration Matters

Food for Thought

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P&C Meeting

From the Head of Teaching and Learning

“What’s that person’s name again?” (Tips for study and remembering other important things).

Wouldn’t it be nice if wanting to remember something meant we would actually remember it? We’d never forget people’s names, or where you put your keys, and students could simply sit down with a worksheet and think to themselves; “I want to remember this!” and they’d remember it!

While this would be nice, it isn’t how the world works. The good news is that there are things we can do with information to increase memory retention. It’s been well demonstrated that when students are asked the right type of questions about content, their retention (remembering) of the information takes a big leap forward!

We remember information best when it holds meaning for us

Meaning is the connection of information to other information that we already know. In other words, when students take the time to associate new knowledge with things they already understand, they do a much better job at remembering it.

Questions that ask students to make a judgement about the information

Whether they agree or disagree for example – are one way that teachers help students to link new knowledge with existing ideas that they already understand. By considering their opinion on the new content, they connect it with various other concepts in their heads, creating meaning, and cementing the new concept solidly. 

This process works for adults as well. If learning something is important to you, then read, watch or listen with effortful intentionality; take notes and think about how each new piece of information fits in with things you already understand. You’ll be amazed at how much more you retain.

Even if wanting to remember something can’t help us retain the knowledge, the fact of wanting to can prompt us to use a thinking tool that does!

Mr Benjamin Turnour
Head of Department - Teaching and Learning

From the Head of Department – Diverse Learners

Last week we farewelled Ms Parish as she goes on Maternity leave. We wish Ms Parish and her family all the best on this new journey into parenthood!

I have been fortunate enough to become the new Head of Diverse Learners.  My goal in this role is to give students the opportunity to become successful when they leave school – whatever their success is.

The team have been working on creating a “My Pet” Wall in the Chill Zone and Lunch Break room at F Block. Students who utilise these spaces will be asked to bring in a photo of their pet to place on the wall.  Our hope with this is to help with self-regulation by students who have a familiar picture in the room.  Staff have already brough in their fury family photos!  In addition to the pictures, we have fun mindfulness colour-in and research sheets that students can complete to aide in their self-regulation!

I really look forward to working with the families of our diverse learners and working towards a common goal of being a successful learner – however that looks for the individual!

Danni Downie
Head of Department - Diverse Learners

Head of Year Report

Ms West – Year 7                                   

Thank you all for your friendly introduction to Bellbird Park State Secondary College. I have been visiting classrooms, meeting teachers, parents and most importantly our students.

As an educator, I truly value students’ education, learning and their wellbeing. Having taught Health and Physical Education, Humanities and English to many junior and senior students, I always seek to create enriching and rewarding positive learning experiences that will shape and enhance them in achieving their future goals and endeavours. I hope to bring these attributes to Bellbird Park State Secondary College and foster many positive relationships and connections with students, their families and the wider community.

I am looking forward to working with you all to ensure Year 7 students have a successful, happy and positive Term 3.

Finding Success in Year 7 at Bellbird Park State Secondary College

How can you be a successful Year 7 student? Easily, R.I.S.E to every occasion and use class and lunchtimes wisely.

A successful Year 7 student must always be conscious of the choices they make, use their time wisely and take responsibility for their actions. They present for every class in uniform, on time and are willing to embrace new challenges and learning experiences.

To be happy and successful our students must be positive and take responsibility for their own learning and behaviours. They must be committed to Bellbird Park State Secondary College R.I.S.E. expectations. Week 6, Term 3 is therefore an opportune time to revise the R.I.S.E expectations. These can be found on page 5 in the Student Diary. When staff see students adhering to these expectations, they can reward them with a stamp in their Student Diary. Stamps can be cashed in to win prizes, so start collecting and have your stamps ready for 22^ August!

 Year 7 Students’ Short- and Long-Term Goals for Term 3

By Week 6, Term 3, self-reliant and responsible Year 7 students should have created their short- and long-term goals. If so, congratulations! You are on the R.I.S.E. to becoming a successful lifelong learner! If you are still to set goals, then do it this week. Page 105 in the Student Diary can assist you when planning.  Speak with your teachers and families about your future goals.

Year 7 Student Lunchtimes

 Have you tried these activities with your friends or a new group of peers?

• Jenga – start a competition and find a Jenga champion.
• Handball – create a friendly challenge.
• Sports on the Oval – join or create a team and exercise on the oval or courts.
• Library – which board game are you yet to try?
• Chillzone in PAC 2^nd break

Watch this space, more fun is on its way!

Student Diary quote for the week

“Know what you want and reach out eagerly for it.”
Let’s all focus on our goals this week!
Have a wonderful week Year 7!

Mr Stanley – Year 8

Junior College Captain Candidates

Congratulations to the 7 students who delivered their candidate speech to the Year 8 Cohort this morning.  We now move to a staff and student vote before a panel interview and find out who the 2024 Junior College Captains will be. 

Year 8 into 9 Subject Selection

Year 8 students have input their selections for subjects in 2024. Students will soon be able to bring home a printout to discuss selections with families. Changes to electives can be made with the Head of Year if a student changes their mind.

For further information, a great tool to see the progression of each subject can be found in the Junior Secondary handbook. The handbook can be found here.

Ms Scull – Year 11 & 12

Every Day Counts

Here at Bellbird Park State Secondary College we believe in a year’s worth of progress for a year’s worth of effort. To be able to achieve this goal, students need to be attending school every day. Our attendance target is 90% and students who reach this target not only, on average, have higher student achievement (Department of Education, 2019) but also are recognised with rewards every term.

Every Thursday students receive their weekly and yearly attendance percentages in roll class, so they can keep track of their progress.

Year 11 Captain Speeches

Congratulations to the shortlisted 2024 College Captain candidates who presented their speeches to their peers in Week 6. Both staff and Year 10 & 11 students have the opportunity to vote for their preferred College Captains. This vote will impact our decision to shortlist students for the final round: an interview with a panel. Two 2024 College Captains will be selected based on this interview.

Year 11: Senior Jersey Update

In Week 6 all Year 11 students have received a Clearance Form for their 2024 Senior Jersey. Students are required to get their teachers and HOY to sign their Clearance Form if they meet the pre-requisites below.

• 90% yearly attendance rate (medical certificates will be counted towards attendance)
• On track to receive QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education)
• Up to date with VET (Vocational Education and Training) competencies and work placements
• Satisfactory effort and behaviour in all subjects as a minimum in all classes
• No more than two PARC referrals and no external suspension for Term 2 and Term 3.
• Evidence of ongoing compliance with the College Uniform Policy
• All school fee payments are up to date (i.e. payment plans to be set up in advance and payments made in accordance with the plan).

Once the Clearance if returned to Student Services, and all signed off, their HOY will give the student an Order Form. This Order Form too needs to be returned to Student Services, then parents/carers will be invoiced for the jersey. 

 More information will be provided to both students and parents/guardians in the following weeks.

Year 12: Graduation Week

As per the letter emailed to students and parents in May, see below for information regarding Graduation Week.

In 2023, the final week of events for Year 12 Students has been given the title ‘Graduation Week’. This exciting opportunity recognises the efforts and achievements of our graduating senior students. The events scheduled for the week include:

Clearance Forms will be going out in the coming weeks for the Senior Formal / Mystery Bus Tour. Here is a reminder of the pre-requisites:

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