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, Murrindindi, 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:

  • 4Cs’ Emergency Food Bank, 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, see issue 17 – the ‘green issue’ – of our Lux Luceat magazine

Our Green Report

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.

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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

Stay in Touch

You may have graduated, but you are still a part of the Beaconhills College community. Beaconhills College is more than 30 years old and our alumni community is now thriving.

Our alumni get together for social events, Performing Arts reunions and to speak at Lux Luceat Society dinners. Make sure you update your contact details by emailing our archivist/historian John Waterhouse.

Alumni Association

Unlike the alumni associations in many established schools, our association includes students, parents, staff and supporters of the College.

If you are interested in being part of the committee, let John Waterhouse know.

Join our group

Connect with our alumni community on our Beaconhills Alumni facebook group

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Noel Martin

Chairman
noel@gmail.com

Noel Martin has been a solicitor in private practice for over 30 years and is also chairman of a Philanthropic Trust and a number of public companies limited by guarantee. In addition, he is on the Management Committee of a charity based in Endeavour Hills. He is also an active church member.
Noel has had two children successfully complete their education at Beaconhills College. In 1996 Noel joined the College Board and since 2011 has held the position of Chairman. He has a passion for affordable independent schooling and a desire to see many students benefit from the Christian based education offered by the College.

Member of the Board since: 1996
Elected by: College community
Board committees: Chairs the College Executive Committee and the Headmaster’s Appraisal Committee, Audit and Risk Committee
Occupation: Solicitor

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Noel Martin

Noel Martin

Chairman

Peter Hill

Deputy Chairman

Peter Hill comes from a strong background in international hospitality, training and teaching. In Australia his career has encompassed Human Resource Management and educational/vocational training management.

He has taught at University and in the TAFE and disability sectors delivering subjects mainly in HR management, business and hospitality.
Peter has extensive understanding of the Victorian VET system links to vocational training. He is Currently the Hospitality Program Leader for William Angliss Institute.

Member of the Board since: 1987

Appointed by: St John’s Anglican Church, Beaconsfield Upper

Board committees: Headmaster’s Appraisal Committee

Occupation: Senior Educator TAFE

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Peter Hill

Peter Hill

Deputy Chairman

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

Nigel Boltwin

Board Member

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

Board Member

Joy Carberry

Board Member

Joy Carberry has a background in education.

Member of the Board since: 1997
Appointed by: Pakenham Uniting Church
Board committees: Board member
Occupation: Retired

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Joy Carberry

Joy Carberry

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

Rev Jason Hobba

Board Member

Jason Hobba has degrees in Science and Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Theology. He is currently a doctoral candidate in New Testament studies at Melbourne School of Theology. He has served in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in Carlton (2002- 2004), Berwick (2005-2010), and Pakenham (2012-current).

Member of the Board since: 2012
Appointed by: St James' Anglican Church
Board committees: Executive Committee

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Rev Jason Hobba

Rev Jason Hobba

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

Roger Lord

Board Member

Roger Lord is a chartered accountant and has been employed as such all his working life. He also qualified as a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries. For many years he worked as accountant in a large multi-national company carrying out the responsibilities of Financial and Management Accountant. Consequently he has a wide range of management experience, not only financially but also in the running of a large organisation, such as staff issues, Workcover, risk management, IT, investments, taxation and legal compliance.
Roger is retired but still serves on the Board of Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria and is treasurer of the City of Casey branch of that organisation. He fills the same role for a local Music and Arts Festival and in 2011 he was elected Casey Citizen of the Year.

Member of the Board since: 1999
Elected by: College community
Board committees: Executive Committee, Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
Occupation: Accountant (retired)

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Roger Lord

Roger Lord

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

Dr David Moseley

Board Member

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

Board Member

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

Company Membership

As a parent of a child attending the College, you are eligible to become a member of Beaconhills Christian College Limited. A membership consent form should be completed if you wish to exercise your right to apply for membership.

Further information

Interested in finding out more about becoming a member? Full details and an application form are available on BeaconNet.

Members of the general public may request details and an application form by contacting the Business Manager.

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