Shining Lights

Students

Academically, our students are proving they are among the best in the State. Every year our students are receiving VCE Season of Excellence awards, winning in debating and public speaking competitions or competing in state, national and international sport.

But the values and character of each student when they leave our College is the real measure of success. We aim to produce graduates who, as positive and active world citizens, care deeply for other people and the environment.

Teachers

Beaconhills teachers are passionate and committed educators willing to go the extra mile for their students. Many have had their own successes, such as writing iTunesU courses which outrank those created by the world’s top universities. A number are qualified VCE examiners.

Little wonder parents have nominated our teachers for national teaching awards, while student feedback consistently shows a high regard for our teachers.

Alumni

Our diverse curriculum has taken our students to exciting and varied careers. Beaconhills alumni include a Rhodes Scholar, a quantum physicist, successful business owners, a famous chef, baseball star and overseas care workers.

Some 30 former students have also returned after completing their studies to teach or work in other parts of the school. It’s a powerful endorsement of the success of our College.

Caring for people

Multicultural

We welcome students and staff from all faiths and cultural backgrounds. Beaconhills also hosts dozens of international visiting students and educators each year from all corners of the earth. Learning about our world and other cultures is one of our Learning that Matters principles. Our students have many exciting opportunities to travel and volunteer overseas. Our families have enjoyed hosted students from Hong Kong, China, Japan, Switzerland, The Netherlands to name just a few.

Indigenous

Beaconhills runs annual Reconciliation events in Junior, Middle and Senior Schools to celebrate and recognise indigenous culture. Indigenous cultural learning is part of the College curriculum and head elder of the Wurundjeri people, Murrundindi, is a regular visitor to the school where he leads workshops.

Sacred space

An outdoor ‘sacred space’ at the College provides a place for students to think, meditate, reflect and pray. The design combines two main elements. There is a medieval Christian ‘labyrinth’, similar to a maze, encircled by a ring of Aboriginal thinking stones made from mudstone. The ring of thinking stones provides a place of shared learning, reflection and storytelling – part of Aboriginal tradition.

Caring for community

Community service is a very strong element through many of our programs and across all year levels. It represents what we stand for as a school. Our practical and financial help has made a difference to the lives of many people on our doorstep - and across the world. Our service programs have also enriched the lives of our own students - in immeasurable ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local service

Active involvement in community events and fundraising to help those who are less fortunate has been part of the Beaconhills culture for a long time. Whether it is singing Christmas carols to patients at the local Casey Hospital or shaking tins for the Salvation Army on Melbourne streets, there are numerous ways in which students help out. Students gain enormous satisfaction in knowing their efforts have helped improve the lives of others.

Students support:

  • Operation Christmas Shoebox and Relay for Life event (for cancer research)
  • Charity groups such as Urban Seed and the Salvation Army (Year 9 program)
  • Red Cross Blood Bank
  • Numerous other charities through House activities and church services

International Service

From the earliest age at Little Beacons Learning Centre, Beaconhills students are encouraged to be global citizens and help support those in need in the developing world.

Fundraising has helped support:

  • Schools and orphanages in Bangladesh, Vietnam and East Timor. Our Year 9 and Senior School students have amazing opportunities to travel and volunteer in those countries. The experience is life-changing.
  • Projects in Costa Rica and Nicaragua through World Challenge.
  • Our sister school in Ibaraki, Japan. The College community raised tens of thousands of dollars for this school after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
  • Even our youngest students at Little Beacons have had the satisfaction of seeing footage of their ‘kindy’ in Bangladesh that they have helped build through fundraising.

Caring for environment

Care for the environment and encouraging students to be responsible stewards of the environment are part of the College’s ‘Learning that Matters’ principles. The College does not believe the future is in using energy from fossil fuels.

Beaconhills has set the bar high in its environmental sustainability initiatives:

  • Two of the largest solar power systems installed in schools in the greater Melbourne (according to Clean Energy Regulator), with online data monitoring done by students in class
  • Ambitious targets under College’s Environmental and Sustainability Plan to cut energy consumption which produces carbon emission
  • ‘Three bin’ waste recycling system throughout student and staff areas
  • Online monitoring of water use and ‘tank to toilet’ water systems
  • Six vegetable gardens across the College, including indigenous foods garden
  • Worm farms which dispose of 250 kg of organic waste from across the school each week
  • Student environment groups, such as the Middle School’s ‘Beacon Growlers’ club, which works to create a habitat for the endangered local ‘Growling Grass Frog’.
To read more about the College’s environmental initiatives, please read Our Green Report.

Our Green Report

View live updates of how much solar the College is genearating on our very own Sunny Portal here (Once you click, enter the name ‘Beaconhills’ in the ‘PV system name’ field.)

Our Sunny Portal

Beyond the classroom

Beacon Explorers is the name of our exciting global and outdoor education program – the largest of any school in our region. From delivering food in a Vietnamese village to preparing a campfire in the Victorian Alps, Beacon Explorers encompasses all learning that happens beyond the school.

The ultimate aim of Beacon Explorers is to give students challenging experiences to help them discover, develop and achieve their potential.

Overseas experiences are not just sight-seeing tours. Many combine a community service element, with students involved in raising funds or providing practical assistance on the ground at schools and orphanages.

Outdoor Education experiences are much more than just camps. They impart valuable life skills, teaching leadership, teamwork, persistence and resilience.

Global Beacons expeditions

  • East Timor
  • Vietnam
  • Bangladesh
  • World Challenge – every second year to destinations such as Borneo, South Africa, Nicaragua and Costa Rica
  • Exchange programs for students studying a language to sister schools in China, Japan and France
  • Italy and Greece art and culture tour
  • Study tours – opportunities to host international students on short term visits to the College

Outdoor Education

  • Early Explorers at Little Beacons – outdoor experiences on the Pakenham Campus bushland area
  • Year 1 dinner after school, Year 2 sleepover, progressing to two-day camps Year 5 and week-long Canberra Camp (Year 6).
  • More challenging experiences include Gilwell Park camp (Year 7), Walhalla camp (Year 8) and Lower Glenelg National Park camp (Year 9).
  • Year 10s can choose from a range of outdoor education experiences, such as Alpine National Park trek, a cycle tour, rock climbing at Mt Arapiles and sea kayaking in the Gippsland Lakes.

Co-curricular activities are an important part of College life, enabling students to extend their learning and their horizons.

There is a huge selection of activities on offer and we encourage each student to choose at least one.

Many of the College’s Co-curricular programs are associated with improving learning strategies such as debating, public speaking, chess and computer club.

Student exchanges to our sister schools in France and Japan are open to all Senior School students. There is also the chance to visit exciting destinations such as New York (art tour), Bangladesh and south-east Asia. Every two years, senior students can take part in World Challenge – the last trip was to Costa Rica, Central America.

Beaconhills Australian Army Cadet Unit is highly respected in the region and encourages leadership, teamwork, organisational skills and self-discipline. The Cadet Unit has a strong community focus forming the Honour Guard at the Dawn Service and leading the College commemorative services.

 

Equestrian Club

Equestrian Club

Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) racing

Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) racing

Academic

Aust Maths Competition Tournament of Minds Middle School Science Club Debating & Public Speaking Compass Award

Special Interest

Cadets Presentation Ball Environment Committee Chess Club Beacon Growlers Lux Luceat Society

Performing Arts

Bands Choirs Dance Drama / Theatre Sports Instrumental tuition Light & Sound Crew Annual musical Performing Arts Concert

Sports

Athletics Basketball Cricket Cross-country Equestrian Football Netball Snowsports Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis

Arts

Art Club Pottery Club Quilting Club

International

French Exchange Program Japanese Exchange Program Europe Art/Cultural Tour World Challenge expeditions International treks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteering for Beaconhills

We welcome volunteers from our College or local community.

Volunteers help out with activities such as coaching sporting teams, supporting our equestrian and HPV (Human Powered Vehicle) clubs or working in classrooms. Their valuable contributions help enhance our students’ learning.

Due to the State Government’s Child Safe Standards, we now ask that all volunteers who work in direct contact with students complete a short registration process and obtain a Working With Children Check.

Interested? Find out more here.

Alumni

Keep in Touch

The Beaconhills College alumni community is growing quickly. Since our College opened in 1982, we have encouraged our students to stay connected with the College after they graduate. We are keen to hear their stories and successes!

Many former students have returned to Beaconhills to present at assemblies or at Lux Luceat Society Dinners, or be involved with the College in a variety of ways.

We encourage alumni to update their contact details via this form:

Personal Information
Address Details

OR

Join our group

One way of keeping in touch is to be a part of the Beaconhills Alumni facebook group which has all the latest alumni news and events.

Reunions

Many former students continue to organise their own reunions and get-togethers in a number of informal ways. The College also organises a series of events each year to mark major milestones. Key events for 2019 are:

Want to give back?

Beaconhills has a strong Citizenship and Service program and we welcome alumni involvement.

The College philanthrophy model is based on the idea of ‘Time’, ‘Talent’ and ‘Treasure’. We would be delighted to receive your contribution:

Time – volunteer for our variety of community projects, events or activities. The College also supports national and international charity initiatives.

Talent – you could give a presentation to students, a Senior School careers group, assembly or share your experiences at one of our Lux Luceat Society Dinners. Mentoring opportunities with Year 12 students are also available.

Treasure – help support people in our community who are doing it tough. Our Community Support Fund helps families in need with educational scholarships or bursaries. Donations are tax-deductable.

Contact us at alumni@beaconhills.vic.edu.au to learn more.

Alumni Videos

Beyond Beaconhills - Blayne Bertoncello

Beyond Beaconhills - Kirsten Hawker

Beyond Beaconhills - Brett Ashby

Beyond Beaconhills - Jayden Newstead

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Dr David Moseley

Chair of the Board

David Moseley brings to the Board his extensive experience in child and youth mental health. He is a clinical psychologist and currently holds the position as senior psychologist for Child and Youth Mental Health Service.
Member of the Board since: 2015
Elected by: College community

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Dr David Moseley

Dr David Moseley

Chair of the Board

Nigel Boltwin

Deputy Chair

An ex-Collegian and school captain of Beaconhills College (Class of 2000), Nigel Boltwin entered the restaurant industry after leaving Beaconhills.
Nigel joined the Shanikas restaurant group in 2001 and has been a part owner and director since 2007.

Member of the Board since: 2011
Appointed by: Old Collegians’ Association
Occupation: Restauranteur

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Nigel Boltwin

Nigel Boltwin

Deputy Chair

Sandra Ennor

Deputy Chair

Sandra Ennor works in the records management industry, collaborating in data management and big data spaces. Her passions are in the fields of change management, compliance and governance, networking and rights - including recordkeeping rights of the child/student and creating accessible systems for staff.

Member of the Board since: 2018
Appointed by: College Board
Occupation: Senior Records Analyst, Monash University

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Sandra Ennor

Sandra Ennor

Deputy Chair

Tony Sheumack

Board Member

Tony Sheumack has had more than 35 years’ experience in education, starting as a maths and science teacher.
Tony is now in his 18th year as Headmaster of Beaconhills College, having led the College community through a period of enormous growth and change.
Tony is currently on the Victorian Branch Executive of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA), has been a Principal Governor on the Board of Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) since 2006 and is a Board Member with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Member of the Board since: 1997
Appointed by: College Board
Board committees: Executive Committee, Audit and Risk Committee
Occupation: Headmaster

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Tony Sheumack

Tony Sheumack

Board Member

Greg Johnson

Board Member

An experienced senior financial professional, Greg Johnson is Principal-Business Consultant with his company Thexton Armstrong Johnson, Chief Financial Officer with Housing Choices Australia, Finance Manager with Newcrest Mining, Finance and Operations Manager with CPM Asia Pacific. He currently serves as chair on two business boards.
Greg has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and is a Certified Practising Accountant.

Member of the Board since: 2012
Appointed by: College Community
Occupation: Business adviser

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Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson

Board Member

Jill Healey

Board Member

Jill Healey is a retired school principal passionately committed to the future of young people and learning that matters. She is keen to encourage, support and inspire leaders of learning. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jill was 21 years as Principal/CEO with Flinders Christian Community College, six years as a Board member of Independent Schools Victoria, seven years as a National Councillor of Christian Schools Australia and 10 years as a State Councillor of Christian Schools Australia.

Member of the Board since: 2016
Appointed by: College Board
Board committees: Board Member
Occupation: Retired Executive Principal

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Jill Healey

Jill Healey

Board Member

John Lorimer

Board Member

John Lorimer is a local business owner who has educated four children at Beaconhills College. He has been involved in a number of local community organisations, including running the Pakenham Uniting Church youth club and serving on the Board of Casey Scouts.

John’s father Richard Lorimer was on the original steering committee when Beaconhills College was founded.

Member of the Board since: 2016
Appointed by: Pakenham Uniting Church
Board committees: Board Member
Occupation: Owner of local printing business

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John Lorimer

John Lorimer

Board Member

Janet Aumann

Board Member

Janet Aumann has been a senior manager in local government for 17 years and is the Manager Organisational Development at the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation. She has a keen interest in providing opportunities for all, global learning, and good governance.
Janet is a current member of the working group ‘Lead and Learn’, which strives to support the professional development and skills of staff across the state in all Victorian public libraries, including the State Library.
Janet has also worked at Melbourne Girls Grammar and Methodist Ladies College.

Member of the Board since: 2017
Appointed by: College Board
Occupation: Manager Organisational Development at West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation

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Janet Aumann

Janet Aumann

Board Member

Kimberley Flanagan

Board Member

As a parent of two children at Berwick Campus and proud member of a school community that actively champions and lives its values of service, compassion, commitment and sustainability, Kimberley Flanagan is keen to put her skills as a Management Consultant in community and social services to work for the benefit of Beaconhills.

Passionate about inclusion, gender equality, sustainability and the environment, Kimberley offers the College a combination of extensive governance experience on the boards of Outlook Victoria, Gippsland South Health Services and Youth Affairs Victoria together with qualifications including a Masters in Public Policy, and as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Joining as a volunteer this year, Kimberley has provided essential expertise as a Board Advisor on the Community Engagement Committee and seeks to continue her work supporting governance at Beaconhills.

Member of the Board since: 2020
Appointed by: College Board
Board of Directors 2020 and Community Engagement Committee
Occupation: Management Consultant (Community and Social Services)

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Kimberley Flanagan

Kimberley Flanagan

Board Member

Lincoln Wulff

Board Member

Founder and CEO of a construction firm with a passion for family, philanthropy and growing financial literacy in adults and youth, Lincoln is a parent of five students attending Pakenham Campus.

Lincoln holds several existing governance roles with local companies. He has a strong sense of community service, being most proud of the work done for Monash Health, as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Dandelion Wishes Foundation.

Offering a broad range of skills and experience with qualifications ranging from a Bachelor of Business and an Advanced Diploma in Building and Construction to Financial Planning, Lincoln has provided key expertise in his capacity as a Board Advisor to the College Property Committee since 2019 and is interested in supporting the future of Beaconhills and holistic children’s education.

Member of the Board since: 2020
Appointed by: College Board
Board committees: Board of Directors 2020, Property Committee Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
Occupation: Entrepreneur (Construction, technology, entertainment, philanthropy)

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Lincoln Wulff

Lincoln Wulff

Board Member

Mitchell Zadow

Board Member

Former College Vice-Captain and Clark House alumnus, graduating in 2000, Mitchell Zadow went on to complete a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.

Passionate about creating opportunities for every student in an environment that supports them in developing to their full potential, Mitchell seeks to use his skills and experience as the Managing Principal of a law practice and as a an Accredited Commercial Law Specialist (accredited as such by the Law Institute of Victoria), to serve the Beaconhills community.

Mitchell has provided vital expertise to the Beaconhills College Risk and Compliance Committee in his capacity as a Board Advisor since 2019 and is interested in helping not-for-profit groups with support for legal issues.

Member of the Board since: 2020
Appointed by: College Board
Board committees: Board of Directors 2020, Nominations Committee, Risk and Compliance Committee
Occupation: Lawyer (Managing Principal, Accredited Commercial Law Specialist)

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Mitchell Zadow

Mitchell Zadow

Board Member

Revd Matthew Scheffer

Honourary Board Chaplain

Vicar of local St James Anglican Church, Revd Matthew Scheffer was appointed to the honorary role of Beaconhills Board Chaplain late in 2019.

As priest one of the three community churches that established Beaconhills, Revd Scheffer is passionate about strengthening the historic partnership between the church and school communities.

An advocate of Beaconhills for its reputation in delivering high-quality, affordable Christian education in a caring community, Revd Scheffer sees Beaconhills as a strong, future leader in the sector and is keen to support its College Board with pastoral care and key spiritual input.

Member of the Board since: 2020
Appointed by: College Board
Board committees: Board of Directors 2020
Occupation: Senior Minister (Vicar) of St James Anglican Church, Pakenham

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Revd Matthew Scheffer

Revd Matthew Scheffer

Honourary Board Chaplain

Governance Volunteers

Members of the public interested in a governance roles with the College should contact the Company Secretary’s office.

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