27 June 2025

From the Executive Principal

As Semester 1 comes to an end we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our students for their dedication to both their learning and the broader school community. It has been a busy and productive Term, and we are incredibly proud of the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by our students throughout. Term 2 has been filled with meaningful events and opportunities for engagement, and it has been wonderful to see so many students actively participating. To our staff – thank you for the energy, care and professionalism you bring to every lesson, rehearsal, game, and moment. To our parents and carers – thank you for your partnership, encouragement and support.

Semester 2 – Working Together to Lift Student Attendance

As we look ahead to Semester Two, our school will be placing a relentless focus on lifting student attendance. Students who attend school every day are far more likely to succeed – not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. While we are proud of the many students who attend regularly, we are equally committed to working with families to support those whose attendance needs improvement.

We are asking for your support in this important work. You can help by:

• Establishing strong morning routines to ensure students arrive on time, every day.
• Booking appointments outside of school hours wherever possible.
• Avoiding early holidays during term time.
• Encouraging your child to attend even on days they feel slightly unwell, unless they are genuinely sick.
• Reaching out to the school if your child is feeling anxious or disengaged – so we can help.

Every day matters. Each lesson builds upon the last, and even one or two days missed per fortnight can add up to a significant loss of learning over time. Let’s work together to ensure every student is at school, on time, every day in Semester Two. With your continued support, we know we can make a real and lasting difference.

Semester 1 Reports and Parent/Carer–Teacher Interviews – Save the Date

Semester 1 reports have been emailed to parents and carers of Year 11 and 12 students. Reports for students in Years 7 to 10 will be sent home shortly after the school holiday period. We encourage all families to take time to review the report with your child, discussing their academic achievement, effort, and behaviour to help identify areas for celebration and areas where further growth is needed.

Our final opportunity for Parent/Carer–Teacher Interviews this year will be held on Thursday 31 July. These interviews are a valuable chance to connect with your child’s teachers, gain deeper insights into their progress, and discuss practical strategies to support their continued improvement.

Instructions on how to book interviews are provided with the report cards. We strongly encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity.

Enrolments Now Open for 2026

Do you know a family looking to enrol their child at Bellbird Park State Secondary College in 2026?

Enrolments for the 2026 school year are now open. As valued members of our school community, we encourage you to share this news with friends, neighbours, or family members who may be considering high school options. Early enrolment helps us plan effectively and ensure a smooth transition for all incoming students. For more information, including how to apply, please visit our website or contact the school office.

Year 7 (2026) Excellence program

Our STEAM Excellence program is an innovative, academically challenging and inspiring learning pathway for those students who excel in their subjects, specifically in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and who have the capability to be creative and innovative. The test dates for year 7, 2026 are:

• Wednesday 23 July 3:15pm - 4:15pm, or
• Wednesday 10 September 3:15pm - 4:15pm, or
• Wednesday 15 October 3:15pm - 4:15pm.

Find out more about our STEAM Excellence Program at: https://bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au/curriculum/excellence-programs/s-t-e-a-m-academic-excellence-program

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 and first semester at BPSSC, please be safe over the holidays. Term 3 resumes on Monday 14 July.

Michael West
Executive Principal

Deputies Corner

As we wrap up a successful and productive Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and moments of growth that have shaped the term for our Year 7 students and wider school community.

Academic Progress

Term 2 marks the end of Semester 1, and we are especially looking forward to celebrating the academic progress of our Year 7 students as they receive their very first high school reports. For many, this represents an important milestone and a reflection of the hard work, persistence and support shown throughout the term. Across all year levels, we are proud to see steady improvements in A–C results. Please take the time to reflect and set goals with your child for semester 2.

Attendance and Engagement

We are seeing encouraging signs of improvement in attendance, with a growing number of students recognising the importance of consistency in their learning journey. We also want to acknowledge those students who have shown greater resilience and classroom engagement this term – especially those stepping up in the face of challenges. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Reconciliation Week

This term, we marked Reconciliation Week with a strong sense of purpose and pride. Across classrooms and the wider school, students engaged in meaningful learning experiences that deepened their understanding of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A sincere thank you to all staff and students who led, supported, and participated in these activities. Your efforts are helping to build a school culture grounded in awareness, respect, and genuine connection. Reconciliation is everyone’s business—and it is heartening to see so many of our young people stepping into this space with curiosity, empathy, and pride.

Partnerships and Progress

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and carers who have attended meetings, supported homework routines, or joined us at school events this term. Your partnership plays a vital role in student success, and we deeply appreciate your continued involvement.

As we move into the break, I want to acknowledge the collective effort of our students, staff, and families. Term 3 holds more exciting opportunities, including our much-anticipated Culture Night and Semester 2 learning goals. Thank you for a fantastic Term 2 – wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday.

Melissa Fields
Deputy Principal – Inclusion & Year 7

Strive to Thrive

At Bellbird Park State Secondary College, we believe every day counts and for our Year 9 students, this term we built on the critical habits that support academic excellence and future success. As students navigate the middle years of high school, consistent attendance and a commitment to learning are more important than ever.

Every missed day is a missed opportunity to learn, connect with peers, and develop the skills needed for senior schooling. Our goal is for every Year 9 student to maintain at least 90% attendance, which equates to fewer than one day off every fortnight. The Year 9s this term have achieved 80% attendance.  We are excited to take on the challenge in Term 3 to reach and exceed the 90% target.

Year 9s have also been building academic excellence through daily effort and participating in learning across all subject areas. Students have also been highly successful outside of the classroom with Dance Eisteddfods, Yagara Soccer, and Rugby League wins.  Students who show up, stay focused, and challenge themselves daily are setting the stage for future success in multiple areas. We are proud of the efforts many Year 9 students are making to uphold our college values of Respect, Integrity, Support, and Effort. Whether it’s striving for personal bests in assessments, participating actively in class discussions, or supporting classmates in group tasks, these students are showing what it means to be a bellbird. Our Junior College leaders have also been supporting peers and leading the way with many lunch time activities, hosting College assemblies and representing the College at the International Women’s Day event.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can help every Year 9 student at Bellbird Park thrive; attending every day, learning every lesson, and achieving their very best outside of the classroom. 

On behalf of the Year 9 Team, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday. Looking forward to seeing everyone back for Term 3.

Diane Pashen
Deputy Principal - Year 9

Year 10s have worked hard this semester settling into senior schooling life with increased expectations and rigour in the classroom with their learning and assessment. It has been great getting to know the Year 10s and watching them blossom into mature young adults.

Report Cards

Students will receive their report cards the first week back next term and I challenge each student to spend some time with their parent/guardians reflecting on their report card, identifying areas to improve and setting some goals for Semester Two. I am personally looking forward to reviewing each student’s report card and congratulating those who have achieved their goals for Semester 1.

SET Plans and Subject Selection for Year 11 2026

SET (Senior Education and Training) Planning for our Year 10s began next term. The purpose of this process is to map your student’s transition into and through the Senior Phase of Learning to focus students on their learning and focus on academic success.

Our program is a combination of evidence-based career education lessons whilst sequentially moving through the stages of developing a SET plan. The program will also provide your student with an understanding of the New QCE system, pathway prerequisites for entry into senior subject offerings at Bellbird Park SSC, prerequisites for tertiary entrance and the subject selection processes that occur during term three. Please keep any eye out for further information on this coming home with your student.

Attendance

Our cohort attendance rates sit at 80% for Year 10 for the year. Our aim is 90% for each student and the cohort as a whole. School attendance is a powerful predictor of student outcomes and especially important in senior as all subjects have technical and practical subject matter that requires face to face learning opportunities.

A few reminders for attendance:

• 90% attendance rate is required for participation in senior extra-curricular activities such as the Year 10 Semi- Formal, Senior Jersey (Year 11) and Senior Formal and Mystery Bus Tour (Year 12).
• Illness, undertaking work experience or competing in a school sporting event are the only acceptable reasons for being absent from school.
• Events such as family holidays, birthdays and weddings are not considered valid grounds for extensions on assessment or absences from exams in the senior school. For those considering booking family holidays, please ensure they are booked in our designated school holiday periods so that your child is not disadvantaged.
• Medical certificates are required to cover absences longer than 2 today to support assessment completion and extensions. Medical certificates assist with upholding attendance requirements for our end of year extra-curricular events.

To all our families and students — thank you for a fantastic term. Whether you're traveling, relaxing at home, or heading off to new adventures, we wish you a restful and joyful winter holiday.

Carla Pantano
Associate Principal - Year 10

Administration Matters

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From the Head of Department

Teaching and Learning – Head of Department

Helping Your Child Reflect and Refocus for the Second Half of the Year

As we reach the halfway point of the school year, it’s a perfect time for students and families to pause, reflect, and reset. Amid the rush of assessments, extra-curricular commitments and social life, it can be easy for students to stay in “go” mode without taking a step back to consider how they are working, and what they may want to do differently in Semester 2.

When reports come out at the start of Term 3, you’ll have an opportunity to reflect together with your child on their learning so far this year. Encouraging this reflection goes beyond simply focusing on grades. Rather it’s an opportunity to help them take stock of their habits in the classroom, their mindset, time management, friendships, and the personal growth they’ve experienced. A good starting point is to ask open questions like:

• What’s something you’re proud of from this semester?
• What has felt challenging, and how did you respond?
• What’s something you’ve learned about how you learn best?

These kinds of conversations help students recognise their own strengths and take ownership of their development. It also reminds them that progress isn’t always linear—sometimes a setback can be the moment that leads to greater resilience, or a better strategy for next time!

As the second half of the year approaches, this is also a chance to set some fresh intentions. Rather than vague goals like “do better,” it can be more useful to work with your child to identify specific changes they’d like to try. For example, they might aim to start assignments earlier, limit distractions from learning, seek help more proactively, or get more sleep during the week.

Making the right changes, (even if they’re small) can lead to meaningful improvements in confidence, maturity and learning outcomes.

If your child is feeling stuck or unsure, consider encouraging them to speak with a teacher or wellbeing staff member at school. Sometimes, a new perspective or a little guidance is all that’s needed.

Ultimately, learning to practice this kind of reflection is not only a skill for academic success, but one that sets students up for life. By helping your child pause and reset now, you’re giving them tools they can carry with them well beyond the classroom.

Benjamin Turnour
Head of Teaching and Learning

Head of Year Report

Year 7 - Matthew Bishop 

Embracing Secondary School Life

In the classroom, our Year 7 students have continued to show resilience and enthusiasm as they navigate the busy world of secondary school. Whether they’re learning to play the guitar, creating and coding using their laptops, or managing the demands of multiple assessments across different subjects, they have all done a fantastic job.

The first semester of high school is always one of the most challenging as students adapt to new routines, expectations, and environments. We are extremely proud of how well our Year 7s have handled this transition and look forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation in the coming months.

Week 8 Is Great – A Huge Success!

Our Week 8 Is Great activities were an absolute hit with our Year 7 students! Participation was fantastic, with students from across the school joining in the fun during lunch breaks. From colourful chalk drawings, the challenge of eating dry Weet-Bix, and racing to eat as many marshmallows as possible, to celebrating and embracing different cultures through traditional attire and dance, there was truly something for everyone.

One of the standout events was our high-stakes Handball Competition, which saw almost the entire Year 7 cohort battling it out to be crowned Kings and Queens of the Court. It was brilliant to see the positive spirit and energy our students brought to every activity, and we look forward to building on this momentum in future events.

Bellbird Buddies Program – A Wonderful Connection

Our Bellbird Buddies program has wrapped up for the semester. This initiative has been a great way for our senior students to connect with our newest arrivals in Year 7. Whether it’s been sharing high school stories, passing on valuable Daymap tips, or simply having fun with a game of Jenga, all students involved have built strong friendships.

Programs like Bellbird Buddies play an important role in fostering a positive, inclusive culture at Bellbird Park, strengthening connections between our junior and senior students, and helping to bring our whole school vision to life.

Supporting Student Wellbeing and the Whole Child

At Bellbird Park, one of our core priorities is to support not just academic achievement, but the wellbeing and personal development of every student. We are committed to developing the whole child, equipping our students with the skills and resilience they need to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.

A key part of this work happens in our dedicated Wellbeing classes, which provide students with time and space to focus on personal growth, positive relationships, and lifelong learning.

So far this year, we’ve been fortunate to welcome a number of external presenters into these classes. Queensland Rail delivered an important session on safety and awareness around rail crossings and public transport—key life skills for young people navigating independence. We also welcomed LIVIN, a leading mental health organisation, who spoke powerfully about the importance of looking after your mental health, reaching out for help, and supporting your mates.

These experiences are helping to build a strong foundation for our Year 7 students—not just as learners, but as confident, caring members of our school and wider community. We look forward to continuing this important work throughout the year.

Get Involved in Our Wide Range of Extra-Curricular Activities!

Lastly, Secondary School is a place and land of opportunity. We take pride in offering a variety of extra-curricular opportunities to help students explore their passions and talents—whether it’s through sport, music, the arts or other creative and leadership pathways. There’s something for everyone! We strongly encourage both students and parents to get involved, as participation builds skills, friendships and confidence. We’re currently in the middle of an exciting athletics season, with many students nominating to train, refine their abilities and represent both themselves and the school at the next level. Keep an eye out for future opportunities across all areas!

Year 8 - Ramon Carreon

Year 8s continue to fly!

We’ve flown through Term 2 and it's been an exciting and action-packed time in the Year 8 space at Bellbird Park State Secondary College! With engaging class assignments, incredible student achievements, and unforgettable school events, there's plenty to celebrate.

 Learning Highlights from the Classroom

Science:
Our budding scientists have been exploring Energy this term! Energy Transfers to Transformations and Rube Goldberg Machines, students have been hands-on and curious in every experiment.

Food Studies:
Students have been whipping up delicious meals while learning about nutrition and kitchen safety. From healthy wraps to sweet treats, there’s been no shortage of mouth-watering creations in the kitchen!

IDT (Industrial Design & Technology):

In IDT, Year 8s have been working on designing and building functional and creative projects and using wood to create iPhone speakers. The level of craftsmanship and teamwork shown has been outstanding.

Dance:

It’s been all about rhythm and movement as students explored different styles. With a focus on choreography and expression, their performances have been high-energy and full of personality!

Health & Physical Education (HPE):

This term's focus has been pickle ball. From tournaments to endurance training, students have shown incredible spirit and sportsmanship.

Visual Art:

Year 8 artists have been experimenting with creating food. Their creativity has brightened our classrooms and even some school corridors with beautiful displays!

Whole-School Events & Celebrations

Kokoda Challenge:

A massive congratulations to the Year 8 students who participated in the Kokoda Challenge! Their grit, resilience, and teamwork on this demanding trek was truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of their dedication.

Harmony Week:

We celebrated diversity and inclusivity during Harmony Week, with Year 8s actively participating in cultural dress, shared stories, and collaborative classroom activities that highlighted the richness of our multicultural school community.

Lunchtime Leadership Sessions:

Aspiring Junior School Captains have been stepping up and showing leadership during our weekly Lunchtime Leadership sessions. These have included guest speakers, application processes and roles and responsibilities. Good Luck to all our year 8 students applying for Junior School Captain roles for 2026.

COMING SOON: The Year 8 Lock-In!

Get ready for the ultimate night of fun and friendship! Our Year 8 Lock-In event is coming up in term 3 and you won't want to miss it. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store: You must hit all 4 Criteria!

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends, make new ones, and celebrate being part of the amazing Year 8 cohort. We’d love to see as many students there as possible – stay tuned for more information.

Thank you to all our Year 8 students, families and carers for your enthusiasm, effort, and positive contributions this term. Well done!

Year 9 - Pippa West

Dear Students, Staff, and Families,

As Semester One comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank every member of our school community for their incredible efforts, energy and dedication over the past ten weeks. This term has been filled with meaningful learning, collaborative achievements and strong connections – all made possible by the commitment of our students, staff and families working together. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, at lunchtime activities, or behind the scenes, your contributions have helped shape a vibrant and supportive school environment.

To our teachers and support staff – your tireless work does not go unnoticed. The effort you put into designing engaging lessons, supporting individual student needs and building a strong sense of community is what makes our school such a dynamic and caring place to learn. Thank you for going above and beyond every day.

Subject Selection for 2026 – Planning for the Future

This term, students have been actively engaging in Subject Talks to help guide their decisions for 2026. A big thank you to Mr Arnold and Mr Cheung, our Heads of Department and all staff who delivered informative sessions, answered thoughtful questions and supported students in aligning their subject choices with their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

We encourage families to continue these important conversations at home and remind students that their Wellbeing teacher, or a member of the Cultural Hub team is always available to support them with advice, encouragement and next steps as they shape their learning journey.

Lunchtime Activities – Building Connection and Culture

This term, we have seen a fantastic level of student participation in lunchtime activities. From Esports to volleyball games, creative workshops to war cry practices – your energy and enthusiasm have helped make lunchtimes more fun and inclusive. A special thank you to the staff who give their time to supervise and support these activities. These moments matter – they build friendships, confidence and school pride.

Upcoming Term 3 Presentations

Next term, we are excited to welcome a number of external organisations who will be delivering powerful and engaging presentations. These include the Black Dog Institute, Smashed Australia and the Pat Cronin Foundation. Each session is designed to educate and empower students on topics such as mental health, respectful relationships and the impact of alcohol and violence.

In addition, we will be recognising Bullying No Way Week, a key national event promoting safe and respectful school environments. Students will have the opportunity to participate in awareness activities that encourage kindness, inclusion and standing up against bullying.

These Term 3 events are an important part of our whole-school approach to wellbeing and personal development and we encourage all students to engage thoughtfully with the messages and discussions shared.

Holiday Wellbeing Supports

As we head into the school holidays, we know that some students may need additional support. Please remember the following services are available:

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au 

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)

eHeadspace – online and phone mental health support: www.eheadspace.org.au

School Guidance Officers and Youth Support Coordinators will be available again from Day 1, Term 3.

We encourage all students to take time to rest, recharge and reconnect with family and friends. Use this break as an opportunity to reflect, reset goals and return refreshed for another great term of learning.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday break!

Year 10 - Grace Menjivar

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, it’s a pleasure to share with you the incredibly positive start our Year 10 students have made. This cohort has demonstrated a noticeable shift in attitude and engagement, laying the groundwork for a successful and rewarding year ahead.

From the first day back, teachers have consistently reported increased engagement in classrooms. Students are arriving to lessons prepared and ready to learn, with many showing renewed enthusiasm for their subjects. This is particularly encouraging as Year 10 marks the beginning of a more focused academic journey, with students selecting and committing to subjects that will carry through into Year 11 and 12. This shift reflects a growing sense of maturity and self-regulation among the cohort. Many students are clearly recognising the importance of their actions and decisions as they begin to shape their own futures.

Equally, we’ve seen a notable improvement in uniform standards. Year 10 students are taking pride in their appearance, which is not only a reflection of school RISE values but also a signal of personal responsibility and commitment to the school community.

All of these developments—improved engagement, fewer behavioural concerns, a more mature attitude, and greater pride in uniform—point to one key outcome: our students are setting themselves up for success. They are showing us that they are ready to become “future ready” learners, capable of navigating the increasing demands of senior schooling and beyond.

As Year 10 is a transitional year, these positive changes are not just commendable—they are essential. Students are now laying the foundation for their Year 11 and 12 studies, building the academic habits, resilience, and self-discipline required to thrive in their senior years.

We thank you for your continued support at home and encourage you to keep reinforcing the message that effort, responsibility, and focus now will open doors in the future. Together, we can help ensure that every Year 10 student is equipped for success—both this year and in the years to come.

As I write this, it’s with a mix of sadness and excitement that I share some news with you. I’ll be stepping away from my role as Head of Year 10 to take on the position of Head of Year 12 for the remainder of 2025. This decision wasn’t easy, as I’ve truly loved working with this cohort—watching them grow, mature, and rise to the challenges of the year so far has been a privilege. While I’ll deeply miss being part of their journey day to day, I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to support our Year 12 students as they prepare for graduation and life beyond school.

I’m very pleased to introduce Mr Shannon Turner as the new Head of Year 10. Shannon brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for supporting young people. I know he will continue to lead this amazing group of students with care, consistency, and high expectations. Thank you all for your ongoing support—working with this cohort has been an incredibly rewarding part of my year, and I’ll continue cheering them on from just down the hallway.

Year 11 & 12 - Julie Scull

Senior Jerseys for 2026 - Year 11

Students are in the process of deciding the 2026 Jersey design. We will begin the Clearance Form process for the Senior Jersey mid Term 3. For now students are reminded to keep their year to date attendance over 90% to ensure they are eligible to order a Senior Jersey. Attendance percentages are now emailed home to students and parents/carers. Students can also obtain their attendance percentage from their Pathways teacher. Other pre-requisites for the jersey will be communicated to parents and students on assemblies and via email at the start of Term 3.

Road Safety Year 11 – RYDA

Young road users remain over-represented in road trauma statistics. Young drivers are also over-represented in licence disqualifications and suspensions, with a flow-on effect to access to educational, employment and social opportunities. This term all Year 11 students participated in the RYDA Road Safety Education workshop. This all-day workshop combines personal stories, demonstrations and interactive activities to ensure that students are engaged during the sessions. Students participated in the following workshops throughout the day in small groups:

• Drive SOS
• Speed & Stopping
• Road Choices
• Mind Matters
• Crash Investigators
• The ‘I’ in Drive

If your student was absent from this incursion, they must see the Head of Year prior to driving to school as a BPSSC student.

RACQ - Year 12

Earlier in the year, the Year 12s attended the RACQ Docudrama presentation in the Performing Arts Centre. Dave – the facilitator – was very insightful and equipped our seniors with real world strategies for combating the ‘Fatal Five’ road safety issues: Drink and Drug Driving, Fatigue, Not Wearing a Seatbelt, Speeding and Distraction.   

RACQ Collide Docudrama Program is a road safety awareness initiative aimed at educating senior secondary students, particularly learner and provisional drivers, about the potential risks of travelling in a vehicle as both drivers and passengers. The program includes a dramatised film portraying a re-enactment of a road traffic accident.   

At the end of the program students were able to interact through multiple choice responses based on their own opinions and experiences.  

Many of our Year 12s have their P plates and driving to school, so this program is incredibly important to not only ensure the safety of them as drivers, but also our local community.

Important - All students who either drive to school or are passengers of a student driver, must read through and complete the relevant contract, as part of our BPSSC Student Driver Policy – this policy and contracts are located on our website HERE.

Senior Jerseys 2025 - Year 12 

The second and final order of jerseys was finalised last term. The second order have now arrived!  Students can collect their jerseys from the Swap Bank at the Resource Centre.

End of Year Events

Students are reminded to keep their year to date attendance over 90% to ensure they are eligible for End of Year Event – the Formal and Mystery Bus Tour. Students can obtain their attendance percentage from their roll class teacher. Other pre-requisites for End of Year Events have been communicated to parents and students on assemblies and emailed updates. The Clearance Form process will begin late Term 3.

Applied Technology – Hospitality

Year 12 “100ish Days to Go” Celebration & Hospitality

On Thursday June 5th, we marked an exciting milestone with our Year 12 cohort – the “100ish Days of Classes Left” celebration held in the PAC. Students enjoyed a relaxed and festive atmosphere with a free sausage sizzle, the opportunity to purchase soft drinks (with all profits going towards their end-of-year celebrations), and beautifully decorated cupcakes, lovingly decorated by our Year 11 Hospitality students.

Throughout Term 2, the Year 11 Hospitality classes had been refining their piping skills, practicing on a variety of sweet treats including meringues, cookies, cupcakes and churros. For this event, we selected a team of our top pipers to decorate cupcakes, while the rest of the students took on the task of preparing biscuit dough, cooking beef mince for nachos, and slow-cooking brisket for bao buns.

This event marked the students’ first experience catering a full-day event, giving them an invaluable hands-on opportunity to work collaboratively and manage the pressures of event preparation in a real-world setting. A huge congratulations to our Hospitality students for their professionalism, creativity and teamwork on the day.

The Phoenix Café – A Hub of Hospitality and Flavour!

The Phoenix Café, proudly run by the Hospitality Department, is open to students and staff every Tuesday and Wednesday during first break, and both breaks on Fridays. Each week, we serve a delicious variety of sweet and savoury foods, along with a selection of hot and cold beverages that form the core of our standard menu. The café is staffed predominantly by our talented Year 11 Hospitality students at Bellbird Park, who are rostered onto shifts as part of their hospitality assessment. Students rotate through a variety of roles – from barista and cashier, to food prep, milkshakes, frappés and all-round café duties – building real-world skills in a dynamic, customer-facing environment.

This term, we’ve introduced an exciting range of weekly specials, which have quickly become new favourites among our regulars. Highlights include:

• Slow-cooked beef brisket bao buns
• Loaded baked potatoes
• Giant cookies in a variety of flavours
• Freshly made smoothies
• Refreshing iced teas

The Phoenix Café continues to be a valuable hands-on learning space and a vibrant part of our school community. Thank you for your ongoing support – and don’t forget to stop by and try our weekly specials!

Year 12 Hospitality – Showcase Dinner: Save the Date!

Our Year 12 Hospitality students have been hard at work trialling a range of enticing entrées and mains in preparation for our three-course Showcase Dinner. Next on the agenda: dessert trials! These final tastings will help us lock in a delicious and well-balanced alternate drop menu, with two options for each course served to our invited guests.

We’re excited to share the final menu and announce that tickets will be available shortly via QKR!

The final menu selected is:

• Entrée – Arancini balls or Slow cooked brisket bao
• Mains – Butter Chicken with rice and roti or Fried rice with Honey Soy Chicken
• Desserts – Still coming!!

Please see the attached Save the Date invitation for more details — we look forward to welcoming you to this special evening celebrating the talents and achievements of our Year 12 Hospitality students!

Ruth Jonsson
Food studies teacher & Hospitality Coordinator

Phoenix Feast Assessment

Throughout Term 2 the Year 10 Introduction to Hospitality students have been trying a range of different dishes from finger foods to international cuisine to desserts. As preparation for their Phoenix Feast assessment where they were creating their own mini version of Eat Street. The students came up with a dish that they thought would sell well and, on the 11th, and 13th of June they cooked up a storm, set up stalls to display their dishes and had food tickets ready to go. Our Hospitality students were at their stalls bringing in customers and selling their dishes in a flurry of activity. The Bellbird staff and students swarmed the stalls in a massive show of support and an eagerness to try a wide range of foods. After the hurricane of staff and students disappeared after 1^st break the Hospitality students were able to have a break and sit down to enjoy a bite to eat themselves before gearing up to go again at 2^nd break.  We are so proud of how hard the Hospitality students worked for their first big event and so thankful to the Bellbird staff and students for making it a success.

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Goodna Street Life

In Week 7 this term, Year 12 Hospitality took the opportunity - between café preparation and cooking, events and other assessment - to make freezer meals to donate to Goodna Street Life/Helen’s Haven. The students prepared nutritious, vegetable filled meals of Shepard’s Pie, Lasagne and Savoury Mince with Rice. These meals were then labelled, stored, frozen and delivered to Helen’s Haven’s new location on Layard Street in Goodna. The Year 12 Hospitality students Rachel, Lilliana and Shamilla were able to help FILL a freezer!

Each year, Year 12 Hospitality have had the opportunity to give back to the local community and help those in need. Helen’s Haven have been a vital part of Goodna and surrounds for many years with Helen and her army of volunteers providing meals, groceries, clothing and housing support for the local homeless community. The students cooking on the day were keen to help and skilfully put the meals together. This incursion gives each student 2 Logbook shifts towards their Certificate II in Hospitality.

Megan Sharman
Hospitality Teacher

The Arts

Music

Art of the Score Excursion

Our talented Music students recently attended the Art of the Score live concert experience in Brisbane, where music and film collided in the most spectacular way. Students had the opportunity to witness how iconic soundtracks are composed, arranged, and performed by a live orchestra. The experience deepened their understanding of the relationship between music and storytelling in film, and inspired them to explore the power of sound in their own creative work.

Year 12 Music Tech in Action

Our Year 12 Music students have been hands-on this term, learning how to set up and operate professional audio equipment for live performances. From mixing desks to microphones and monitors, they’ve gained practical skills in sound engineering, ensuring clear, balanced audio that brings every performance to life. Their behind-the-scenes work is crucial to creating a seamless show experience, and they’re smashing it!

Year 10 Music X Film Composing

Our talented Year 10 Music students have stepped into the shoes of professional film composers this term, creating original scores to match scenes from film. Through this process, they’ve learned how music shapes emotion, builds tension, and brings storytelling to life.

Visual Art

Visual Art Competition

We’re so proud of our talented Visual Art students who have entered the Visual Art Shakedown competition! This exciting opportunity challenged students to dig deep and express their identity, emotions, and perspectives through powerful, original artwork. We are pleased to announce the winner of this competition next week. So keep your eyes pealed on our Facebook page.

Market Meets Abstract - Year 10

Our Year 10 Visual Art students have dived into the exciting world of marketable art and abstraction. They’re exploring how artists can create bold, expressive works while considering how art connects with audiences in real-world contexts. Stay tuned for some eye-catching creations!

Visual Arts Practice - Year 12

The Year 12 Visual Arts Practice students are in the final stages of completing their artworks for Dimension Two of their assessment. Each piece is a creative response inspired by the work and techniques of an artist they researched in the previous term, demonstrating both critical understanding and personal interpretation.

Visual Arts - Year 9

Year 9 students are putting the finishing touches on their ceramic pieces as part of the Transforming the Masters unit. In this project, they design and sculpt their own pots or vases, which are then painted and glazed in a style influenced by a renowned 20th-century master painter, blending traditional forms with modern artistic inspiration.

Dance Teams Shine at Ipswich Eisteddfod

Our extra-curricular dance teams recently hit the stage at the Ipswich Eisteddfod, representing our school with energy, passion, and teamwork. Against tough competition, all teams performed beautifully, with our Hip Hop crew earning a Highly Commended award! We’re so proud of their dedication and stage presence. This is just the beginning as they begin to prepare for the Dance Showcase in Term 3.

Drama Students Take Part In SmArts Program

Our Drama students recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a 4-day intensive Smith Family’s SmArts Program - a prestigious incursion led by a professional theatre company. Over the course of the program, students strengthened their creativity, story-making and developed valuable performance skills in a supportive environment. It was an inspiring experience that nurtured both their artistic growth and personal development.

Sophie Kersnovski
Arts Coordinator - Dance and Media ArtsTeacher

Science Update

Year 8 Students Engineer Rube Goldberg Machines Science

This term, our Year 8 students have been learning about energy in Science. To wrap up the unit, they designed and built their own Rube Goldberg machines. 

Using their understanding of gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic energy, students created chain reactions that pushed a ping pong ball through their machines. Each group used straws, paddle pop sticks, balloons, dominoes, and other household materials to showcase how energy can transfer and transform in different ways.

It was fantastic to see students' creativity as well them working collaboratively as each group tested and refined their machines.

Amber Jaremenko
Science Teacher