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30-34 Toomuc Valley Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810
92 Kangan Dr, Berwick VIC 3806
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Learning that Matters
This produce from the College vegetable gardens went to the Salvation Army in Pakenham and the Vinnies Soup Van in Berwick last week for distribution to those in need.
With high demand for fresh produce, our organically grown veggies were welcome donations. More news to come soon on an exciting new initiative we are preparing to launch – the Beacon of Hope Community Garden.
Pets are not only our loyal companions, but we also know that they can greatly help us through challenging times.
One of the best parts of home learning (apart from being able to wear your pyjamas) is having furry study buddies around to keep motivation high! Our College counsellors and ‘pawrents’ to friendly therapy dogs, Smudgee and Kai, have explained the benefits of keeping pets close by:
“Let pets be your GEM (gratitude, empathy, mindfulness) and help you in resilience training. Be grateful for their love and companionship, and let them help you practice 30 minutes of mindfulness a day by brushing, patting and walking them” – Jane Negus
“Having an animal nearby is known to reduce stress and increase our sense of calm. Pets are great listeners so we encourage you to read to them, teach them about what you are learning; show them your creations and enjoy the fresh air with them by your side” – Amanda Harris
Today Beaconhills College launched its first day of home learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We asked parents to submit some photographs of students in action and we were overwhelmed by the response. It was a busy day for students, parents and teachers but there were plenty of smiling faces at the end of it.
Congratulations to the Beaconhills community for a great team effort.
Tomorrow marks the start of the Beaconhills College home learning program. It’s a new endeavour for our College. We are all adjusting to a very different routine in a bid to collectively fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are just a few starter tips from Beaconhills eLearning staff and the Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner.
Mental and physical health
Chat about expectations and boundaries
Parental controls
Be alert – know the signs
Some handy links with many resources for parents:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-online-safety-kit-parents-and-carers
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online
Beaconhills College is committed to doing its utmost to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic and support our community.
As we finalise our Home Learning Program for next week, we will now offer limited spaces on our campuses for students whose parents are on the frontline in medical, emergency or allied health services and don’t have care arrangements in place.
These parents have a critical role in supporting the COVID-19 emergency response. The Prime Minister has made it clear he wants these health professionals to continue their vital work. We hope this new arrangement gives families further flexibility.
During our three home learning days planned for next week – 25 through to 27 March – we will provide limited learning spaces at both of our campuses for Junior and Middle School students who have parents working in the health care frontline.
I hope this can help alleviate some of the pressures on those parents who are at the coalface of this pandemic.
In 2020, Beaconhills College has been working with SchoolTV.me to provide our families with clear, relevant and fact-based information around raising safe, happy and resilient young people. The video linked below offers practical advice for parents to help students manage the stress of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
As the situation develops, it may contribute to anxiety amongst families. Although children are considered to be in a lower risk category, this does not protect them from being exposed to news reports on television, radio or social media. As a parent it is important to reassure your child, dispel any myths or untruths, and help them feel informed, allowing them to focus more on positive messages.
You can find more content from SchoolTV.me on the BeaconNet portal, under the wellbeing tab.
10 top tips from Beaconhills College Senior Chaplain, The Revd Peggy Kruse, on how to remain hopeful and calm during challenging times.
It’s nearly 40 year ago since Beaconhills College opened its doors. What enormous change the College – and the local community – has witnessed over that time.
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a tour of Pakenham Campus with some of the College founders, including foundation Principal Frank Millett and his wife Joy (also a former staff member).
We hosted four of the five original staff members and six foundation parents, all who played a significant role in those early years. It was fascinating to hear of some of the struggles and sacrifices these pioneers endured to start a new Christian school in Pakenham – without the broader community support or government funding.
Frank Millett envisaged that Beaconhills would be a “small school”. He regards our development and expansion as nothing short of remarkable. From a block of land bought with a “$50 deposit and a promise to pay the rest later”, it is indeed an incredible success story.
Frank Millett shaking hands with College Deputy Headmaster, Stephen McGinley.
Senior Pakenham students have had a busy start to the term, with those studying Unit 3 Legal Studies visiting the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court and the Supreme Court library
This opportunity allowed students to learn about the Victorian court hierarchy in action, witness a high profile murder trial, and partake in the process juries experience when being selected for Jury Duty.
A portable bar concept created by former student Tiffany Johnston (Class of 2019) is currently on display as part of the Emergent 2019: VCE Graduate Showcase at Bunjil Place Studio.
Tiffany, who is now studying Architecture at RMIT University, designed the concept and brand identity for her VCE Unit 4 Visual Communication and Design subject.
She is pictured at the Emergent opening night with Beaconhills teachers John Irving and Leanne Peters.
The showcase features painting, drawing, sculpture, design, photography and film by students undertaking VCE Units 3 & 4 Art, Studio Art, Media, Visual Communication and Design, and Product Design and Technology: Woodwork in 2019.
The free exhibition is open to the public until 15 March 2020.
An Easter Blessing from Revd Peggy Kruse
COVID-19 Time Capsule
Online Learning to continue into term 2
Garden of hope
21 Day Challenge
Produce donated to charity
How pets help us study
Greetings from home: a new type of Beaconhills school day
Let the home learning begin
Coronavirus (COVID-19): a guide for parents
10 top tips on remaining hopeful and calm during challenging times.
Legal Studies students visit court
Support for health care workers
From humble beginnings
Governance call
Welcome to 2020
Bushfires
Let your light shine
3 meaningful ways for alumni to stay connected
Public v private school funding
Reports that tell the whole story
What are your values?
A commitment to Indigenous education
Help shape our school’s future
1300 002 225 | Int: +613 5945 3001
reception@beaconhills.vic.edu.au
Pakenham Campus
Berwick Campus
Little Beacons
Gate C, Syme Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810