Beaconhills College

Award-winning Indigenous author and playwright Jane Harrison was the guest speaker at Beaconhills College’s Reconciliation Breakfast, held yesterday (30 May) at the Berwick Campus.

The breakfast was part of National Reconciliation Week, which the College is recognising with a series of activities and assemblies across both campuses.

While guests sampled a tasty breakfast made with Indigenous foods, Ms Harrison – who has written a play about the Stolen Generation – spoke about the need for all Australians to “understand our shared history”.

She encouraged non-Indigenous Australians to not be afraid to ask questions, to listen, suspend judgement and do their own research.

“There is a richness of Aboriginal culture that we can all learn from, celebrate and enjoy today,” she said. “We have to find allies who will walk beside us, not in front of us.”

Ms Harrison is doing presentations and writing workshops with students today at both campuses.

Beaconhills students helped make and serve the food at the breakfast.

Author and playwright Jane Harrison spoke at the Reconciliation Breakfast

(L-r) Nicole Terrick, John Terrick, Beaconhills’ Head of Indigenous Initiatives Lynette George, Tarlina Gardiner and Shaniah Terrick.  John and Tarlina work at the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation Cultural Heritage Council.

Beaconhills College athletes smashed old records at the Association of Co-educational Schools (ACS) athletics championships held at on 26 May at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.

The College placed fifth overall, with students from both campuses recording some outstanding results.

Our 13-18 year girls’ 4×400 relay team broke its own record set in the same event last year, with a time of 4:14.52. The team comprised students Victoria Tiplady, Teneille Morrell, Rhianna Clemow and Matisse Lazzari.

Caitlyn McCormick (Berwick Campus) broke both the discus and shot put records, with a throw of 11.66m in the shot put and 30.67m in the discus. Amiru Chandrasena from Berwick also broke the triple jump record with 13.00m and equalled the current long jump record with 6.35m.

Congratulations to all students who competed.

Caitlyn McCormick

Amiru Chandrasena

4×400 girl’s relay team

The Beaconhills chess team placed third in the Association of Co-educational Schools (ACS) chess tournament held on 22 May at St Michael’s Grammar School.

The combined campus team played well against some strong opposition. Regan Crowley was undefeated in all of his games and Aryan Mittal, who is in Year 6, impressed by winning five out of his six games against senior players.

Accompanying teachers Michelle Gummer and Rodney Gonsalves said the students appreciated the chance to socialise with and learn from their opponents.

Participation rates were high this year for the Berwick Campus’ annual Middle School, Year 9 and Senior School cross-country race events on Wednesday 17 May.

Head of Sport Adam Wright said cool conditions on the day allowed all runners to perform at their peak.

“It was one of the most successful cross-country carnivals at the Berwick Campus with great House spirit and really good participation across all year levels,” he said.

The carnival creates the team for the SEISA cross-country event in term 3, along with a team from the Pakenham Campus.

Photography students from the Berwick Campus have experienced working in a real studio with local professional photographer Rob McGregor of Perspective Images.

Students learned the art of lighting diagram setup, flash unit photography, tethering and cyclorama use during the recent studio lighting workshop.

VCE Media teacher Nick Zomer said the industry workshop was invaluable for the Year 10s: “The students each shot imagery of a Harley Davidson, which will be on display in the Visual Arts Gallery (at Beaconhills College) in the coming weeks.”

Year 9 students studying Japanese were happy to help out in the Junior School this week, teaching Year 4s some traditional Japanese games.

They included kendama (ball with a string), fukuwarai (similar to ‘pin the tail on a donkey’, but with a face), ohajiki (Japanese flat marbles), kingyo tsuri (fishing) and origami (paper folding).

Co-Head of Japanese at the Pakenham Campus, Kellie Ogawa, said Japanese children played the games in their free time or at festivals.

“We believe that learning about Japanese culture is integral to learning the language – and makes it more relevant to the students,” she said.

What does Luna Park have to do with Physics? Beaconhills College Physics teacher Jim Prendergast explains, in our new Inspired Teachers video series.

Watch the video here

Jim Prendergast talks physics

Relay for Life and the Cancer Council officially recognised Beaconhills College’s Beacon of Hope team from the Middle School (Berwick) this week for being the highest fundraising team in this year’s Casey Relay for Life.

Twenty-two students received certificates at Assembly for their personal contributions to Relay for Life fundraising. The combined College campus total was $50,613.

Pictured is Donna Harrison, Chairperson of the Casey Relay for Life Committee, presenting Year 6 student Keturah Ratnarajah with a Citizenship and Service Award. Keturah raised $700.