Beaconhills College

The bushfire crisis has significantly impacted our region and College community. We have more than 400 students and at least 25 staff affected in some way – either directly or indirectly (ie cancellation of bus services).

Our community response has been heart-warming and overwhelming. Many people have offered to donate food and uniforms. Others are currently accommodating families who can’t yet access their properties, or are helping to provide horse agistment. Thank you all.

Following a Cardinia Shire meeting today, all emergency services have acknowledged the generous community support. Cardinia Shire is working with all the relief agencies to co-ordinate the response. They have requested patience from the community while they determine where the need is the greatest. At this stage food and clothing donations are not required, but we will keep you updated.

Once again I wish to thank our Beaconhills community for the spirit of generosity and goodwill which never fails to surface during these times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all emergency services personnel and everyone involved in this crisis.

Pakenham Year 3 students have written letters of thanks to the emergency service men and women, currently battling the bushfires.

The fires currently burning in the Bunyip and Gembrook state parks have impacted members of our local community. Beaconhills College will open for school tomorrow (Monday) as normal. We are working with the Department of Education in relation to safe transport routes. We anticipate a number of bus lines will be cancelled and will contact affected families as soon as we are informed.

The College has postponed the Pakenham Unit 3 Outdoor Education camp to Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park scheduled to depart tomorrow and the Pakenham Year 7 Mornington Peninsula Camp scheduled to depart on Tuesday.

The College is committed to supporting students and staff who are impacted and counselling and support services will be available. We are aware that as a result of evacuations, some students may not be able to come to school with a range of practical items such as lunch, school uniform and school stationery. Please be assured that all students impacted in this way are welcome to attend with whatever items they have available. We encourage families to contact our Wellbeing team via the main reception on 1300 002 225 so we can understand your situation and how we can best support your child.

Our thoughts are with everyone in our local community, including the dedicated emergency service teams, during this challenging time.

I am delighted to announce that Beaconhills College is set to expand its boarding residence at the Pakenham Campus to accommodate local students.

This is an exciting new expansion of our existing 10-bed boutique-style residence for international students, enabling us to now offer boarding to both boys and girls aged over 13 years. The new 16-bed accommodation also gives students in our region – and further afield – an option of boarding during weekdays.

I believe this could be a very attractive alternative to a city-based boarding school for families wanting the benefits of a Beaconhills College education. We are proud to be the only school in the Casey/Cardinia region currently offering boarding.

This year we have appointed a new live-in Head of Residence, Ingrid Watson. We also have two former students working as residential supervisors. One is studying arts and music at Monash and the other law/arts at Deakin University. Both girls have been exceptional in helping our live-in students with their studies.

Students also have seven-day access to schools facilities such as basketball and netball courts and of course the local swimming pool, sports competitions or dance classes.

Our residence extension will open in semester 2, 2019. Feel free to contact enrol@beaconhills.vic.edu.auif you would like more details.

I was delighted to hear that our Beaconhills College Board Chairman Noel Martin has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Noel’s medal recognises his service to the community through charitable organisations Endeavour Ministries Inc, Elevo Institute, The Andrews Foundation and of course his outstanding contribution to the Beaconhills College Board for the past 24 years (he was appointed Chairman in 2011).

At the Andrews Centre, Noel volunteers every day. As just part of his work, he offers free legal advice, supports the administration and drives the van to collect food or furniture for people in need.

Noel is a gracious and generous man who has worked tirelessly for the common good. In his role with our College Board, he is committed to providing affordable, independent, Christian education to the broader community.

This OAM is a well-deserved honour for a person who truly exemplifies the Citizenship and Service pillar of our Beaconhills philosophy.