Bayside Bulletin Newsletter, 16 July 2024

The masthead graphic above depicting the bull for the Bayside Bulletin Newsletter was produced by Jordan Turner, Year 10 work experience student. Great play on words Jordan!

Principal’s Message

It is with great pleasure that I welcome our current families back to Bayside for Term 3, and a special warm welcome to the new families to our community. The Term 3 holiday always seems to go so quickly, even though it is the second longest school holiday period of the year. I hope that we all had the opportunity to just sit and enjoy time with our loved ones and friends.

Recently, I was asked by a young graduate teacher, “What is the most damaging thing to school culture, and how do you prevent it from occurring?” What a question! After a few minutes, I responded by saying that if I had to choose one singular item, it would be ‘Mission Drift’. By this I mean, when we as a community abandon, whether through neglect, inattention, or indeed deliberate action, our Values and Purpose in the community.

In fact, a great many organisations over time, drift away from their intended values and purpose – some through deliberate strategy to deal with an ever-changing landscape in business, but far more do this unintentionally, and often through neglect and inattention. When they wake to the new course, they are often so far from their original navigation, that it is simply too hard to reclaim their original heading. This has long lasting implications on community and culture.

I have been wrestling with these ideas over the last few years, as to how businesses can indeed put strategy and process in place to prevent such drift, and I believe it is far more difficult than it may first seem. For example, for our College, such measures would necessitate ensuring that the actions of all, our engagements, and our processes, are truly in line with our aim of inspiring Christian character in all.

A Mission such as inspiring Christian character, is so multi-facetted that developing lead measures for this could indeed be very difficult. The fact is that we inspire Christian character through our own actions and behaviours, and sadly, in times of challenge, adversity, and disruption, a great many people place a far greater focus on themselves than on God, and also do so, in preference to focussing on supporting and caring for others.

If we accept that life will forever have seasons of difficulty and challenge, the question is, how do we face this? The Bible gives us two very clear commands (Matthew 22: 37-39):

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Sounds simple … almost too simple? Wouldn’t it be nice if we all cared just a little more for each other? Wouldn’t it be nice if we supported each other, prayed for one another and showed just a little more love to each other. Who knows, perhaps the world would be a nicer place!

More often than not, it is our words that pierce like a hot iron. It is our words that leave a lasting pain with those we seek to rebuke. The Bible gives us a different way … the biggest change being to love one another, as our Father in Heaven loves each one of us.

As we approach this next season together, we are challenged to put aside our own personal wants, and to love each other as God loves us; to speak with kindness and love – even during a time of rebuke, and to focus not on ourselves, but on all in our community.

There are a great many school communities that do not demand such love and support for all others, BUT we are not those;

There are many schools in which staff and parents are not co-invited to be in partnership, BUT we are not those;

There are many school communities in which there are few expectations surrounding caring for each other in thought, word, deed, and in prayer, BUT we are not those.

Culture is not that which is found in a glossy brochure – it is that found in the staffrooms and offices of an organisation; and it is not found in an enrolment contract but rather in the accountability we hold ourselves and all others to. We need to be the change we want in all others; we need to be the supportive and engaging members we want others to be; we need to give generously of ourselves, should we wish others to do so; we need to be the welcome, we ourselves wish.

So, as we approach another Term at Bayside, let those of us truly committed to Christ, pray for all in our community; pray for our community, that we may reflect the love of God to all others, and may we stand firm in our non-acceptance of poor behaviour, gossip, and neglectful relationships, and act only in the service of God in all we do.

I wish you a wonderful Term ahead!

Brian Grimes
Principal/CEO

Deputy Principal’s Message

A very warm welcome back to all our students and families! Term 3 is here, and we have an exciting and busy term ahead. We are very blessed to welcome new students and families to Bayside this term, including those joining us from overseas, interstate, and various school environments. It has been lovely to see our current Bayside students displaying kindness and friendliness to our new arrivals, helping them settle in and familiarise themselves with their new learning environment. We hope all our new students and families feel very welcome and enjoy their journey with us, becoming part of the warm community we are blessed to have.

As the term begins, we would like to remind our students of the uniform standards we uphold at Bayside. Please click here: UNIFORM SHOP for clarification on our uniform expectations and ensure that students adhere to these guidelines. This week, we have noticed an increase in students wearing incorrect earrings and jewellery, or incorrect shoes. While these may seem like minor issues, it is important and fair for us as a College to maintain consistent rules for all students. Our uniform standards are meant to create a sense of belonging, unity, and connectivity, and should be worn with pride to promote this unity.

Thank you for your support and partnership in ensuring that the presentation of our students reflects the pride and respect they have for Bayside Christian College.

Happy Retirement, Mr Bradshaw and Best of luck, Mrs Amber Dohnt

At the end of Term Two, we said our farewell to Mr Bradshaw, our dedicated staff member in IT Support, as he entered retirement, and to Ms Amber Dohnt, who has sadly left us to prioritise and support her family. We celebrated these two wonderful and valued staff members and pray for their continued success, good health, and happiness in the future. May God bless them always, just as they have blessed us through their years of service here at Bayside.

Welcome Mrs Jacobs, Mrs Maczi and Mrs Turvey

We are incredibly blessed to welcome three wonderful new staff members to our Bayside family in Term 3: Mrs Alleyné Jacobs, Mrs Isabel Maczi, and Mrs Justine Turvey.

Mrs Jacobs will be taking on the role of teaching HASS to our Senior School students, while Mrs Maczi will be providing instruction for the students in 4T. Mrs Turvey will join us as a Teacher’s Aide in our Senior School this term.

These outstanding new staff members are a true blessing to our College, and we look forward to having them join us in our journey.

Below is a brief biography from Mrs Jacobs:

Hi everyone! My name is Alleyné Jacobs. My family and I arrived in Hervey Bay about a month and half ago from South Africa and we are so excited to be here. We lived on the eastern coast of South Africa before we made the big move Down Under. I am lucky to have my children at the school as well, which is a first for us. We love exploring and spending time out of doors, so Hervey Bay is really a fantastic place to live.

It is such a blessing to be able to teach at Bayside, because the Christian values and beliefs resonate with me on a personal level and was one of my main considerations when I started looking for employment opportunities.

I love teaching young people, and I really enjoy the interactions that we share. I am teaching HASS to years 8 to 10 this term, and I am really enjoying getting to know my students. I look forward to getting to know everyone connected to our beautiful campus.

Alleyné Jacobs

Below is a brief biography from Mrs Maczi:

My name is Isabel Maczi and this is my 6th year working at Bayside. I am incredibly excited to be joining the teaching team as the teacher of 4T.

I was born in NSW (sorry Maroons!) and have had the pleasure of living in many places up and down the East Coast of Australia from Hobart up to Cairns. My family and I settled in Hervey Bay at the start of 2019 and fell in love with the region. I feel blessed to have found such a wonderful place and community to call home.

I love being in the classroom and helping young people achieve their best. I am passionate about inspiring and guiding future generations towards their goals.

I look forward to an amazing and memorable year ahead!

Isabel Maczi

Below is a brief biography from Mrs Turvey:

My name is Justine Turvey, and my family and I recently moved to Hervey Bay to escape the hustle and bustle of Brisbane. My husband, our daughter (who has just started Year 4 at Bayside), and our two Maltese/Shih-Tzu puppies have all settled in wonderfully. I am passionate about education, so I am thrilled to be part of the Bayside community as a Teacher Aide while also working towards completing my Bachelor of Education (Primary).

My past career has been diverse, including roles as an Executive Assistant, an Early Childcare Service Director, and a Trainer and Assessor. However, I have been working as a Teacher Aide for the past three years while completing my teaching degree. It has given me great insight into teaching as a career, and it is comforting to know I have chosen the right career path for me.

Outside of work and study, I love spending time with my family, walking my dogs, playing word games and puzzles, reading, and squeezing in some Netflix (if I get a chance).

I look forward to getting to know everyone over the coming weeks and months.

Justine Turvey

Origin Decider Game Day: Wear Blue or Maroon in support of NSW and QLD!

Remember to wear Blue or Maroon this Wednesday 17 July, and join in the fun as we support NSW and QLD for the final decider game of 2024. Let’s see who will win the series this year!

We also have an exciting competition! If you want a chance to win $50 worth of free pizza, delivered by a member of the Executive team, submit a photo of you and your family wearing team colours. SUBMIT PHOTO HERE

The graphics below for Jersey Day and Pyjama Day were produced by Jordan Turner (year 10), who was spending last week doing work experience in the Bayside Marketing Department.

Barracudas: Trial Day on Wednesday and Steve Renouf Cup on Friday

This Wednesday afternoon 17 July, will be our second trial day for our Barracudas Rugby League Development Program, starting at 3:45 PM on the College Oval. On Friday 19 July, we are excited to watch our youngest Barracudas compete in the Steve Renouf Cup against other schools. Come and support the Bayside Barracudas this Friday at Stafford Park, Hervey Bay.

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Our Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for this Thursday 18 July, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

You can book your interviews through Parent Lounge until 5PM on July 17. After this time, bookings will be closed, and you will need to contact your child’s teacher directly to arrange a meeting.

For room allocations please refer to the email sent earlier today. Prep-Year 3 will be in the Library and Years 4-12 will be held in S-Block.

Pyjama Day

We are excited to announce a special fundraising event organised by our Year 7 and 8 Service-Learning students in support of Sleepbus. Sleepbus provides a safe, temporary overnight accommodation service, helping to get people off the streets. To support this cause, we are inviting all students to participate in Sleepbus PJ-Palooza. There is no comfier way to raise funds for safe sleeps than spending a fun day at school in your PJs. Our Junior School students will be participating in fun games that help them reflect on the blessing of supporting the Homeless Community in Hervey Bay. Here are the details:

Date: Friday 19th July

Event: PJ-Palooza Day

Donation: Gold Coin Donation

What to wear: Pyjamas (school appropriate)

Who: All Students

Please ensure that students wear appropriate clothing that is respectful and suitable for our school environment. We hope all students will join us in the fun and meaningful event, helping to make a difference in our community.

Family BBQ and Sports Day

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

May our actions bring the warmth and kindness of Jesus’ love to those around us. As we welcome our new families and students, as we interact with friends, family and strangers, may we always keep in mind Jesus’ command to love as He has loved us – deeply, selflessly and unconditionally.

Have a wonderful start to Term Three. I look forward to meeting our new families and I hope to see you all at our Family BBQ and Sports Day this Saturday 20 July.  

May God continue to bless you and your families abundantly.

Edelle Broadhurst
Deputy Principal

Year 10 Work Experience Student Making The Bayside News

Working in the Digital Marketing department at Bayside Christan College has made me realise how much work and effort goes into even the most simplest of tasks. Long and tedious steps are required to do what people think as basic things such as making a logo or taking photos while also organising them. In the digital marketing area you must be ready to take on random requests and be capable of juggling multiple tasks that were assigned to you. This field also requires you to be multi-skilled as you have to be ready to try new things. I hadn’t even tried digital art before this week, yet I was given a challenge and I believe I overcame that challenge. Although the supervisor tries to make things as quick and simple as possible so it doesn’t take months doing a task that could be done in a few days with shortcuts.

Jordan Turner
Year 10 Work Experience

Racing to Glory: Triumphs at the Wide Bay Cross Country Championships!

On Tuesday, the 11th of June, eight dedicated students from our school proudly represented the Hervey Bay district at the Wide Bay Cross Country Championships. This highly competitive event brought together the best young runners from across the region, each vying for a coveted top-six finish to secure a spot on the Wide Bay team.

The competition was fierce, with every participant pushing their limits in hopes of achieving personal bests and earning a place at the state level. It was truly a privilege to watch our students display such determination and resilience, as they ran their hearts out on the challenging course. The effort and spirit shown by our athletes were nothing short of inspirational.

We are thrilled to announce that Rory Sloan achieved an outstanding 4th place finish, earning a well-deserved spot to compete at the state championships in Brisbane. This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rory for his exceptional performance and dedication.

We also want to acknowledge and congratulate all our representatives who demonstrated remarkable effort and sportsmanship throughout the event:

Antonio Firouzfar
Imogen Derbyshire
Ben Barkley
Dylan Mitchell
Sophie France
Lilly Sloan
Violet Atkinson
Rory Sloan

Each of these students showed incredible commitment and gave their very best, making our school proud. Their participation in such a prestigious event highlights their dedication to excellence in athletics.

We look forward to supporting Rory as he prepares for the state championships and are confident he will continue to make us proud. Congratulations once again to all our athletes for their hard work and outstanding achievements at the Wide Bay Cross Country Championships!

Unleashing the Champions: Highlights from Our Spectacular Secondary Athletics Carnival!

On Friday, the 14th of June, secondary students attended the highly anticipated annual athletics carnival. This event, a highlight of the school year, saw students from all year levels come together in a vibrant display of athletic prowess and school spirit. Students competed in a range of track and field events, striving to earn points for their house and the coveted title of Age Champion.

The day was blessed with beautiful sunny weather, creating the perfect backdrop for the festivities. The atmosphere was electric, filled with great sportsmanship, enthusiastic cheering, and an incredible sense of community. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and determination of our students as they pushed their limits and achieved remarkable feats.

Throughout the day, students showcased their talents in various events, including sprints, relays, long jump, discus, and shot put. Each event was fiercely contested, with participants giving their all to secure victory for their houses. The spirit of friendly competition was evident as students encouraged and supported each other, exemplifying the values of teamwork and perseverance.

A special mention goes to those students who finished in the top two of their events. These exceptional athletes have earned the opportunity to represent our school at the district athletics carnival, scheduled to take place from the 30th to the 31st of July at the Dundowran Athletics Fields. Detailed information will be provided to the parents of the selected students soon.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Johnson House, our House Champions for this year’s carnival. Their collective effort and outstanding performances across the board secured them the top spot, making them the team to beat. Well done, Johnson House!

The success of the athletics carnival would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and, of course, our incredible students. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a memorable occasion. We look forward to seeing our athletes shine at the district carnival and continuing to celebrate their achievements throughout the year.

Learn News and Video Production

To apply to join the Bayside Buzz program, make an application via this form with your name and homeroom, and choosing three roles you wish to apply for in order of preference. If you are applying for a Presenter or Reporter role, also include a short 1-minute video introducing yourself and reading some text.

For further information, email Mr Taylder – Head of Marketing, Bayside Christian College.

Smashing Bumpkins

For more information on the Smashing Bumpkins please click this link.

Unleashing Potential: Year 10s Dive into Work Experience Week!

Our Year 10 students recently spent a productive week exploring their career goals and interests during Work Experience Week, held from Monday July 8th, to Friday July 12th.

Students secured placements in a wide variety of occupations, showcasing the diverse range of their career interests. These placements were located in the local Hervey Bay area or Maryborough.

Work experience is a valuable opportunity for Year 10 students to gain insight into the world of work and understand workplace expectations. It also allows students to explore connections between their school studies and career pathways, helping them become more aware of workplace realities and develop skills, knowledge, and experience beneficial for their future careers.

Students experienced various workplaces, including trades, automotive, daycare centres, hospitality, airport operations, digital media & marketing firms, accounting firms, physiotherapy clinics, speech pathology practices, dental offices, veterinary clinics, allied health services, libraries, Drama, H.P.E, Art and Music teaching, building & construction, and many more.

As a result of seeking work experience placements, some students have been offered the opportunity to return to the workplaces for paid school holiday work.

Additionally, students were prepared for their work experience week through completing a range of workplace health and safety lessons. A dozen students also completed their Construction White Card prior to starting their work experience placements.

Each student was contacted by a staff member who spoke to the employer and the student to ascertain how the student was coping in the workplace. Students also completed a logbook to reflect on their work experience, and employers provided an assessment of the students.

The College received positive feedback from employers, who commended the students on their work ethic, punctuality, and people skills. Many work experience hosts expressed interest in participating in the program again next year, and some have sought to secure the students’ services in the future.

We are grateful to each employer and work experience host who participated. Their time and effort have made a valuable contribution to our students’ career planning and research through their participation in work experience.

Our Year 10 students are to be commended for their initiative in seeking out work experience opportunities. We hope they enjoyed and benefited from their week.

Jenny Baker
Head of VET & Industry

Senior School Coordinator’s Message

Welcome to Semester Two!

I hope the holiday period was a time of rest and rejuvenation for both staff and students alike. It was so wonderful to see the students return to Bayside on Tuesday, and fill the grounds with energy once again. It was also delightful to welcome many new families to our secondary school at Bayside, and it has been a blessing to watch some of our existing students step up as leaders to welcome these new students to the College.

With the Semester One report card released last week, it was wonderful to read so many comments highlighting students’ hard work and effort in their subjects. I congratulate our students on their academic results and effort, and I encourage them to set their sights on the goals they established in Extended Homeroom last week. I also urge our parents and carers to embrace the opportunity of Parent-Teacher interviews to discuss their child’s progress, which are happening this Thursday, 18th July. Bookings can be made through Parent Lounge on TASS.

There was a noticeable void in the Senior School with our Year 10 students absent last week as they completed their work experience. I look forward to welcoming these students back to the college in Week 2 and eagerly await hearing their stories of experiencing ‘the real working world’. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the local businesses that hosted our work experience students, providing them with amazing opportunities.

A new term brings excitement for the many events this term has to offer, kicking off with our Family BBQ Day this Saturday, 20th July. Events such as these are a highlight on the school calendar, providing an opportunity for students, families, and staff to come together and enjoy an afternoon. I look forward to seeing you there!

With a busy term ahead, I encourage the Bayside community to keep an eye on the College newsletter and our social media platforms to stay up to date with the many events and important dates over this next term.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

P.S. Go the BLUES!!!

Emily Taylor
Senior School Coordinator

Head of Junior School’s Message

Faith and Character Formation

I trust that our families are well and that everyone has enjoyed a relaxing break. As we embark on a new term, I want to remind you of the foundation upon which we build our lives. Jesus is the rock on which we stand.

Matthew 7:24-25 says: Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Let us strive to build our lives and our children’s lives on this solid foundation.

Parent Teacher Interviews

We are pleased to inform you that Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 3:30 – 7:30 pm.  Please use the link in Parent Lounge to book your interview. These sessions provide a timely opportunity to review the Semester 1 reports and set goals for the new semester.

Co-curricular Clubs

Our co-curricular clubs will be back up and running this week. Please check out the club options on Parent Lounge and encourage your child to try something new this term. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to explore new interests and develop new skills.

PJ-Palooza Fundraising Event!

On Friday, all our students are invited to wear their PJs, or an Oodie for free dress day. We ask all students to bring a gold coin donation as we continue to support the Sleepbus project. Every donation counts! Please remember that free dress day expectations still apply.

Community Sport Day and BBQ

We would like to see our families at the Community Sport Day and BBQ on Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It will be a fantastic opportunity for families to come together, enjoy some fun sports activities, and share a delicious BBQ. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Semester Reports

Junior School reports are now accessible via Parent Lounge through the TASS site. Please review them to celebrate your child’s achievements and identify areas for growth.

Homework and Routine

As we dive into Term 3, I want to emphasise the importance of supporting your child’s learning journey. Homework plays a crucial role in reinforcing what they learn in school and helps establish a routine that will benefit their future learning. Please encourage and assist your child in maintaining a consistent homework schedule.

Engaging in Your Child’s Education

Your involvement in your child’s education is invaluable. By actively participating in their learning experiences, you not only support their academic growth but also strengthen the bond between home and school. Let’s work together to make this term one of learning, growth, and engagement.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring term ahead.

Warm regards,
Amanda Mulder
Head of Junior School

What’s Happening in Year 5 Q?

The Year 5 cohort is exploring Discipleship and Leadership in Christian Studies this term.

In the first lesson, 5Q brainstormed and shared their understanding of a “Good and Poor leader”.

These are some of the comments that were discussed:

“A good leader is somebody that leads people and helps people do things. Somebody that shows people what to do, and somebody that listens to others’ ideas.”

“A leader leads people, helps people, teaches people, and trains people. Just like Jesus.”

“A poor leader thinks they are better since they are a leader.”

“Poor leaders are those who lead you in the wrong way.”

Jesus teaches us about 5 ways to lead. Our students discovered these ways and are committed to becoming better leaders in the school.

How many of these points do you display each day?

1. Don’t take the best place. Jump further down the line and allow others to go ahead of you.
2. Don’t lord over people. Teach them the right thing to do and allow those around you to make their own WISE choices.
3. Become a servant. Help those who need it.
4. Humble yourself. If you exalt yourself, then He will humble you. If you humble yourself, then He will exalt you.
5. Do not promote yourself. Allow others to praise you, and don’t do it yourself.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:25-28

5T Students Embrace Learning About Factors Through Engaging Activities

Students in 5T recently embarked on an exciting journey of learning about factors in a fun and interactive manner. The classroom buzzed with enthusiasm as the students delved into the world of factors through a series of engaging activities.

To kick things off, the students explored different methods of finding factors using arrays, laying a solid foundation for their understanding of this mathematical concept. They then eagerly participated in a lively game of Factor Relay, where they formed teams and raced to collect paddle pop sticks with the correct factors of a given number.

The excitement continued with the Factor Clue Challenge, an activity that involved solving a mystery involving stolen cupcakes. Working in pairs, the students had to identify the factors to unravel the mystery and eliminate suspects. The challenge sparked their critical thinking skills and collaborative spirit as they worked together to crack the case.

As the investigation unfolded, the students uncovered the surprising truth — Mr. Carter had stolen the cupcakes and was enjoying them with a hot chocolate on the playground. The revelation brought a sense of accomplishment and amusement to the students, proving that factors could indeed be both educational and entertaining.

Through these engaging activities, the students in 5T not only deepened their understanding of factors but also developed their problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. The students left the classroom with newfound knowledge and a sense of accomplishment, ready to tackle new challenges with confidence and excitement.

Barracudas Swim with the Dolphins

Over the holidays, the Bayside Barracudas had an unforgettable experience on their trip to Brisbane. From watching the Dolphins training session to playing against Redcliffe High, the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of rugby league and see firsthand what it takes to be a professional player.

Meeting the players and getting autographs was a highlight for many of the students, who were in awe of the skill and dedication of the athletes. The tour of the training sheds and facilities gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work and preparation that goes into playing at the elite level.

Playing against Redcliffe High was a tough challenge for both the boys and girls’ teams, but they rose to the occasion and gave it their all. Despite not coming out on top, they showed great sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the game.

Watching the Dolphins play against the Storm at Suncorp Stadium was an exhilarating experience for the students, who were thrilled to see their favourite players in action. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, and the students cheered on their team with enthusiasm.

Overall, the trip was a resounding success and a valuable learning experience for the Bayside Barracudas. They returned home with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the world of rugby league. Here’s to many more unforgettable trips in the future for the Bayside Barracudas.

Buzz in the Kitchen!

As Term 3 begins it’s so great to see the students at Bayside return to the kitchen with a buzz of enthusiasm and loads of creativity. Grades 7/8, 9/10 , 11 and 12 are all thrilled to return to the kitchen, ready to cook up some culinary magic. Mrs. Vanner, my wonderful teaching assistant, couldn’t be more pleased. “It’s wonderful to see our students back in the kitchen,” she says with a smile. “Cooking is such a hands-on experience. It’s not just about following recipes; it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. These are skills that students develop best when they can work together in person.”

In addition to cooking, students are learning about the critical importance of food hygiene practices. Each lesson begins with a thorough review of kitchen safety protocols, including proper handwashing, cross-contamination prevention, and safe food storage techniques. These lessons are integral to ensuring that students understand the significance of maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.

This term Food Technology students in grades 7-10 will be creating delicious Asian delights and designing a curry to share. As the term progresses, the students at Bayside continue to develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen. Year 11 Hospitality students will focus on “Barista Basics,” a unit designed to equip students with essential coffee-making skills. This hands-on approach will allow students to practice everything from grinding beans to creating latte art, preparing them for real-world hospitality environments. The enthusiasm is palpable among the students. They will also be participating in various school functions.

Stay tuned for more updates and delicious news from our school kitchen!

Digital Technology

The year 12 students are working on completing research into health and safety for video game developers, and video game players, after which they will be developing a short video game of their own. One hopes that they follow their research findings about bad posture when sitting at a computer – as the accompanying photograph shows this isn’t currently the case!.

This term the 9 and 10 students will be adding JavaScript code to their web pages to add more interactivity to their adventure game. With a large number of new Year 9 students in the class, the existing students have been reviewing last term’s work, by helping the new students, which has been very pleasing to see. It is also gratifying to see the new students catching up so quickly, especially with the distractions of new devices and operating systems to contend with.

Photos are of some of the student’s game pages that we will be working on this term.

Year 7 and 8 students are moving on from block coding to “real” coding with Python. This is a big change for most of the students, but so far, they have coped very well indeed. As the term progresses these students will write code both to control the robots, and also to make small games, which will give them a competent comprehension of the capabilities of coding.