Beaconhills College

Our dynamic film-making duo have done it again!

Jake Cawfield and Kai Van Leeuwen have been announced as Senior Winners of the Videos for Change competition with their entry ‘A Home Without Love’.

The national competition runs in partnership with Network 10, and asks young people to create a minute long entry to raise awareness on social issue that they are passionate about.

A big getaway for our Little Beacons, who recently returned from two nights at Camp Jungai, in the Rubicon Valley, Victoria.

Our four and five year old students attended with their parents, and loved the sessions on Indigenous learning led by Shawn Andrews of Indigicate, campfire, storytelling, and cricket match.

This year was the first that our Beacon Explorers staff have also attended the annual camp, and judging by the smiles all round it won’t be the last!

Beaconhills College was proudly represented by some fantastic young athletes at the Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships over the weekend of the 2nd November.

Special mention to Berwick student Caitlyn McCormick who placed 3rd in Discus, and Pakenham students Cameron De Bruin for placing 2nd in the 200m race and 3rd in 100m, Sophie Coughlin who ran 3rd in the 3000m and 2nd in the 2000m Steeplechase, Matisse Lazzari who finished 3rd in the 800m, Thomas Lambe who achieved 3rd in Shot Put and 2nd in Discus, and Rhianna Clemow (not pictured) who placed 3rd in 200m Hurdles

These students have now qualified to represent the College at the National All Schools Championship to be held in Cairns in December.

Berwick Campus student Caitlyn McCormick, who placed 3rd in Discus.

Pakenham Campus student Cameron De Bruin, who ran 2nd in the 200m race and 3rd in 100m.

Pakenham Campus student Matisse Lazzari, who finished the 800m in 3rd place.

Pakenham Campus student Sophie Coughlin, who ran 3rd in the 3000m and 2nd in the 2000m Steeplechase.

Pakenham Campus student Thomas Lambe, achieved 3rd in Shot Put and 2nd in Discus.

Beaconhills College is now an accredited eSmart school.

An initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, eSmart is a long-term change program designed to educate, track, monitor and prevent bullying and cyber bullying.

Beaconhills’ eLearning Co-ordinator Michael Torsello said the accreditation was the culmination of two years of hard work by the Beaconhills Cyber-COM committee. Just some activities included information sessions for staff and parents, student poster and selfie competitions, displays and cybersafety trivia quizzes.

“We will not rest though, and will continue to improve awareness among our community and educate our students, parents and teachers in how to use technology in a safe and protected manner, “Mr Torsello said.

Members of the Beaconhills College Cadet Unit took part in the Remembrance Day service at the Pakenham cenotaph yesterday.

The day included a presentation to the College cadets for their work with the Pakenham RSL over the years.

Berwick Campus teacher Helen Comport was also honoured yesterday for her work with the Quilts of Valour charity during at interview with Peter Mitchell on 7 News Melbourne. Helen, alongside Quilts of Valour Victorian President Wyn Roper, explained how the charity donates hand-sewn quilts to service members and veterans of the ADF in recognition of their sacrifice for Australia while on combat operations. To see the interview visit our Facebook page.

Helen Comport in 2015 presenting quilts to visiting veterans, l-r, Richard Long and Terry Hornbuckle

Pakenham Campus Junior School student Emma Baxter, 7, noticed some children were playing by themselves at lunch. So she decided to start the Harmony Club.

Emma says anyone can join the Harmony Club, boys or girls. Club members can be ‘the boss’ for the day  and that just means sharing a skill, like how to use the monkey bars. And of course the club has its own theme song and secrete handshake. Harmony Club means helping, Emma explains. She just “wants to help people to get good at something”.

Emma’s story is featured in our next issue of Lux Luceat magazine, out soon!

Five of our senior Drama students were selected recently to participate in the first Melbourne Theatre Company apprenticeship with Bunjil Place.

Jaime McIntosh, Michaela Franks, Jacqueline Forbes, Imogen Atkins and Georgina Massey had the ‘dream come true’ experience of exploring backstage at MTC, seeing the props, costumes, sets and rehearsal spaces that bring professional productions to life.

As part of the apprenticeship, students were invited to the audience to watch shows ‘Hungry Ghosts’ and ‘Working With Children’, and participate in a series of practical workshops to hone their skills.