Contents
- Chappys’ Corner
- Weekly Scripture
- Exciting Year Ahead for Science
- Athletics Achievement
- Support the Barracudas in the Broncos Challenge
- Year 1T’s Great start to the Year
- Report from Year 3
- Director of Curriculum
- Bayside Buzz – Calling all Buzzers!
- Report from 1Q
- Immunisation Program goes Digital
- Play Netball
Chappys’ Corner
“…His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6b)
We have a Wonderful Counsellor. In times of confusion and doubt, He offers wisdom beyond our own. He is our Mighty God. In our weakness, He is our strength. Our Everlasting Father. In our loneliness, He offers unwavering love and belonging. The Prince of Peace. In our stress and doubt, He brings a peace that surpasses all understanding.
These are not just names; they describe His character and power. They are promises of His presence and provision. Wherever you find yourself today, lean into the comfort of these titles and find peace and hope.
We are so blessed to be a part of this community. Pointing others to Jesus (our Wonderful Counsellor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) is a gift and privilege we do not take lightly.
Live Loved,
Your Chappys
Matt and Carmen
Exciting Year Ahead for Science
The Science and Technology Department is looking forward to an exciting and engaging year of discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning. We are also pleased to welcome Mrs. Corinne Dolan to our team. Mrs. Dolan brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for science education and will be teaching Junior Science, Biology, and our STEAM and Engineering electives.
Year 7 Science
Students have begun their journey into the fascinating world of scientific inquiry. They are learning what it means to think and work like a scientist, considering how both science and Christianity contribute to our understanding of the natural world. Through hands-on experiments, collaborative investigations, and critical data analysis, they are developing essential scientific skills. A highlight of the term has been their mastery of the Bunsen burner, culminating in students earning their Bunsen burner licenses.
Year 8 Science
Students are delving into the microscopic world of Cells and Body Systems. They have been honing their skills in microscopy while investigating the structure and function of cells, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of biological processes.
Year 9 Science
We are exploring Reproduction and Homeostasis, examining reproductive cells and organs in both plants and animals. Students are investigating how sexual and asexual reproduction contribute to species survival and are analysing the body’s mechanisms for maintaining internal stability.
Year 10 Science
Diving into the world of Chemistry, students are exploring different types of chemical reactions, including synthesis, decomposition, and displacement reactions. They are also investigating the factors that influence reaction rates, deepening their understanding of the chemical changes that shape our world.
Forensic Science
Students have been investigating how blood evidence can provide critical information at a crime scene. They have enjoyed creating and analysing blood spatter patterns, determining blood types, and exploring DNA analysis techniques to understand how forensic experts solve real-world cases.
Our senior science students in Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Physics have settled into their first units of study and are now embarking on their second assessment tasks. Their dedication and enthusiasm for scientific exploration are evident as they tackle complex concepts and engage in practical investigations.
It is wonderful to see students across all year levels embracing the challenges and excitement of science. We look forward to a year filled with curiosity, discovery, and innovation as we continue to foster a love of learning in our students.
Mrs Bronwyn Ashton
Head of Science and Technology
Athletics Achievement – Dylan’s Outstanding Performance
We are thrilled to celebrate Dylan’s incredible achievements over the weekend, where he competed in three challenging events and brought home medals in all of them! His dedication, perseverance, and hard work have earned him a well-deserved place at the LAQ State Championships in Brisbane this March.
Dylan showcased his versatility across both track and field events, securing:
🏅 Silver in Javelin – A fantastic performance demonstrating his skill and technique.
🏅 Bronze in the 100m Sprint – A display of speed and determination on the track.
🏅 Bronze in the 200m Sprint – A strong finish in a highly competitive field.
Qualifying for the State Championships is a remarkable accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of Dylan’s efforts. We wish him all the best as he prepares to compete at the next level!
Come and Support the Barracudas in the Broncos Challenge
Stay tuned for the draw dates coming soon in March 2025.
Bayside Barracudas thank their Platinum Sponsor!
Year 1T’s Great start to the Year
We have had a great start to the year in 1 Topaz with the students learning routines quickly. They are now able to unpack their bags independently and know what the class expectations are once they are in the classroom. We started our first week by getting to know each other. We played some games and did some craft.
In Literacy we have studied the book The Bad Seed and learnt how to work quietly. We have learnt to identify numbers in different ways and are starting to skip count in 2s. Our favourite time of the day is the end of the day where we get a chance to read a book from the Hot Dog series.
I am started to see some good friendships forming. I am looking forward to the rest of the year.
Ms Lind
Teacher
Report from Year 3
Year 3 have had a busy start to the year. It may only be week four, but we have been practicing two-times tables, learning about place value up to ten thousand, how to use the split strategy when adding and subtracting, learning that when writing narratives, we aim to draw pictures with our words and include ‘sizzling starts’ so that we hook the reader.
In geography, we have been learning about the states, territories and capital cities of Australia by completing cut and paste maps and regular Blooket competitions. For science we’ve been recording living and non-living things we found in the school yard by taking photos and then creating labelled drawings. For Valentine’s Day we wanted to share our love for our families, and others, so we created the messages seen in the included photos.
‘God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.’ 1 John 4:16
Mrs Herbert
Teacher
Director of Curriculum
The school year has begun with great momentum, and it has been inspiring to see students return to their classrooms with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn. Their energy and engagement set a positive tone for the year ahead, and we are excited to support them on their academic journey.
All Year 7–12 assessments are now accessible via the Parent Portal and Student Café. Each assessment task includes a task sheet, outlining the key details, expectations, and success criteria. Rubrics are also provided to help students understand how their work will be assessed and to guide them in meeting or exceeding expectations. We encourage both students and parents to familiarise themselves with these resources to ensure a smooth and productive term.
Developing Strong Study Habits
Building strong study habits early in the term is crucial for academic success. Students should establish a consistent study routine, which includes:
- Checking emails and school platforms regularly
- Completing homework tasks and reviewing class notes
- Planning ahead for assessment deadlines
- Seeking clarification and feedback from teachers when needed
A well-structured approach to study not only enhances learning outcomes but also reduces stress and fosters independence. Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and manage their time effectively will set them up for success. As Robert Collier wisely said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Small, consistent efforts create lasting results.
Embedding 21st-Century Learning Skills
Education today is more than just acquiring knowledge; it is about developing the essential skills students need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, the four pillars of 21st-century learning. These skills empower students to analyse information, generate innovative ideas, work effectively with others, and articulate their thoughts with clarity and confidence.
Our teachers are actively embedding these skills into daily lessons, projects, and assessments to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. Some of the ways they are doing this include:
- Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to question, analyze, and evaluate information rather than simply memorising facts. Teachers design lessons that require problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning to develop deeper understanding.
- Creativity: Providing open-ended tasks, project-based learning, and opportunities for students to think outside the box. Whether in the arts, or humanities, students are encouraged to explore unique ideas, experiment with different approaches, and develop original solutions.
- Collaboration: Designing activities that require teamwork, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Group projects, peer discussions, and cooperative learning strategies help students build interpersonal and leadership skills while learning from different perspectives.
- Communication: Developing students’ ability to express their ideas clearly and effectively across various platforms. Whether through writing, presentations, or digital media, teachers are helping students articulate their thoughts with clarity and confidence.
By embedding these 21st-century learning skills across all subjects, we are preparing students for success beyond the classroom, whether in further education, the workforce, or daily life. Adaptability, innovation, and lifelong learning are essential attributes in the modern world, and our approach ensures that students are equipped with the confidence and skills to excel in any path they choose.
We look forward to a productive and enriching term and encourage parents to stay engaged in their child’s learning journey. Your support in reinforcing these habits and skills at home makes a significant difference. Let’s work together to make this a successful year!
Mrs France
Director of Curriculum
Bayside Buzz co-curricular open to students in Year 6 and above.
Year 1Q Report
Starting Year 1 has been both a daunting and exciting experience for our students. The Year 1Q class settled in quickly, establishing their morning routines and diving straight into their learning.
In class, we’ve had some fantastic highlights! Fine motor skill rotations have been a favourite, with students engaging in activities like playing with playdough. And of course, the inaugural Friday Smartie Maths was a hit, where students displayed their impressive patterning, sorting, and counting strategies.
Last Friday, the 1Q class had an unexpected treat: “Bouncing Bubbles”! The fun didn’t stop there – after playing with bubbles, the students were tasked with writing a recount of their bubbly experience.
It’s been an exciting start to the year, filled with hands-on, active learning. We’re looking forward to sharing even more stories and milestones as the term continues!
Mrs van Dyk
Teacher
