Bayside Bulletin Newsletter, 3 February 2026

Principal’s Message

Light will Shine in the Darkness

As individuals we maintain our own beliefs, and so we should. We have the right to make our own decisions and should never attempt to force another to our way of thinking. There is, however, an opportunity to be had in listening and considering alternative viewpoints.

There are so many times we turn on the news, and we see poor behaviour, a world in crisis, a world struggling with values, and one in which darkness seems to be ever-present. This makes for news and so is communicated widely. In amongst this darkness, are wonderful examples of goodness, heroism, those who stand against wrong, even if they stand alone. The light overcomes the darkness, and as such, instead of focussing on the darkness, we need to focus on the light.

Light is used to symbolise God, faith, and holiness throughout Scripture. As Christians, we are called to not only walk in the light but to be the light for others. There is so much wisdom in the Bible, and yet it is not read as often as it probably should be, nor given the acknowledgement of wisdom that is should.

One example is that we tell our children (and ourselves) to stay away from those who seek to cause ill to others, who lean towards gossip, doing wrong etc — as we do not want our children (or us) to be associated with them.  Psalm 1: 1 states “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers”. We may consider such former earthly advice as wise, but it in fact stems from place of far greater wisdom.

Martin Luther King Jr said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.”  We may each define darkness differently, as it may exist for each of us. Some may define ‘darkness as anxiety’, while for others it’s depression, hatred, bigotry, or evil. Depending on the person, darkness may even be considered poverty, chronic pain, suicidal tendencies and a host of other physical, mental, financial and spiritual ailments. Regardless of how we define the ‘darkness’ we see and that which affects us, only light can overcome it.

The light of Christ chases away all darkness and shadows! Even though these shadows of darkness may follow us, may cause us pain, God will overcome all things. Sometimes our timeframes aren’t His, and there may even be things that we must endure for reasons beyond our comprehension but leaning on God and seeking His love and help, is the only way to overcome the many dark shadows that can be found. In Him we can find peace, hope, and love.

We need to believe that God hears our cry, but we must be fully willing to submit to His love and sovereign authority in all things. Our world is hurting, of this there is no doubt, and if you have not considered discovering the Gospels and the Hope that Christ brings us, I hope that this be a year in which you do:

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46)

I pray that you will be inspired in the coming year to further explore faith, to invite God into your lives a little more each day, and to be His light to all others. We cannot stop the darkness nor the poor behaviour of others, but we can be a light that encourages others, and one by one, let our combined light outshine the darkness.

Brian Grimes
Principal/CEO

Deputy Principal’s Message

A very warm welcome back to all our students and families as we begin the 2026 school year. A new year brings the joy of welcoming new students, families, and staff into our College community, and we are delighted to have you with us.

It has been wonderful to hear students sharing their holiday stories and to see their excitement as they reconnect with friends, teachers, and new learning spaces. As we step into 2026, we have so much to look forward to and much to be thankful for. This term will be filled with opportunities for learning, celebration, and connection as we continue to grow together as Bayside.

Meet the Teacher – Open Classrooms

Our first major event for the year is Meet the Teacher / Open Classrooms (P-12), taking place on Wednesday 11 February. Parents and caregivers are warmly invited to visit their child’s homeroom classroom, meet their teacher, and see where much of their learning takes place.

To support families with different schedules, the event will run across two identical sessions:

• 3:30 pm
• 4:45 pm

Families only need to attend one session. This structure is designed to support working parents and families with multiple children at the College.

First Day for Our 2026 Prep Students – Our Bayside Beginners

What a joyful and exciting morning it was as we welcomed our 2026 Prep students to their very first day of big school on Thursday 29th of January. There were plenty of smiles, a few nervous moments, and lots of enthusiasm as our newest Bayside students began this important milestone in their learning journey.

Our Bayside Beginners settled in beautifully, confidently exploring their classrooms, meeting new friends, and learning daily routines. Supported by their teachers and staff, the students quickly became familiar with their learning spaces and expectations, all within a caring, calm, and nurturing environment.

It was wonderful to see the growing confidence of our Prep students as the morning progressed. From participating in classroom activities to engaging in play and learning experiences, they demonstrated curiosity, resilience, and a readiness to learn. We are incredibly proud of how well they embraced their first day at Bayside.

We look forward to partnering with our Prep families as we support our Bayside Beginners to grow, learn, and flourish throughout the year.

Upcoming Key Dates – Term 1

As you plan for the term ahead, please note the following important dates. These are also available on Parent Lounge under the Calendar tab.

• Wednesday 11 February – Open Classrooms / Meet the Teacher (3:30 pm & 4:45 pm)
• Tuesday 17 February – Years 10–12 University Showcase
• Friday 6 March – Secondary Swimming Carnival
• Saturday 7 March – Family BBQ Afternoon
• Monday 16 – Monday 23 March – NAPLAN (Years 3, 5, 7 & 9)
• Saturday 21 March – Men’s Breakfast
• Thursday 1 April – Cross Country (5–9-year-old students)
• Friday 2 April – Cross Country (10–18-year-old students), Easter Chapel Service & Grandparents and Special Friends Day

As we journey through 2026 together, may we be united by our love for our children and by the love of Christ that binds our Bayside community.

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2–3

May God continue to guide and watch over our community in grace, compassion, and peace.

Belinda France
Deputy Principal

Mathematics Update — Term 1:

The students in my Mathematics classes are well underway this term, with a strong focus on applying mathematical skills to meaningful, real-world contexts.

Year 12 General Mathematics

Year 12 General Maths students are currently completing their PSMT, where they are investigating the relationship between the length of long bones in the leg and a person’s height. Using data analysis and correlation, students are modelling how this information could support a forensic team in estimating height. This task develops both mathematical understanding and valuable analytical skills as students prepare for their final assessments.

Year 11 Mathematical Methods

Year 11 Methods students are working on a PSMT focused on discovering the equation that models the shape of a parabolic bridge. This task helps students connect algebra and functions to real-world structures while building the problem-solving and reasoning skills required for success in senior mathematics.

Year 10 Extension Mathematics

Year 10 Extension Maths students are studying exponential laws and equations, alongside statistics. Later in the term, students will complete an assignment that uses past world record data to predict future records. This task encourages students to analyse trends, interpret data, and apply mathematics in a practical and engaging way.

How parents can help

Parents play an important role in supporting students through senior mathematics. Encouraging regular study, checking in on assessment progress, and helping students plan smaller chunks of work overtime can make a big difference. Students also have access to a range of support options, including Maths Help on Thursdays at lunchtime (Lunch 1), their shared class OneNote with lesson notes and worked examples, and an online textbook with instructional videos. Reminding students to make use of these resources — and to ask questions early rather than waiting — can greatly support their confidence and success.

We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to a positive and productive term in Senior Mathematics.

Tarryn McKendrick
Director of Learning Systems and Head of Faculty — Mathematics

The Castaway Café will be closed on the following dates:

• Thursday 19 February
• Friday 20 February
• Monday 23 February

A LITURGY FOR

Dropping Off a Child at School

ALLI R. DAHLGREN

Creator God, who parents us all,
hold my heart as I practice letting go,
hold this child as the school day begins.

There was a time when I celebrated
each small milestone, witnessing steps
as they were taken. Yet now I watch
those same sweet legs walking away from
me toward people and spaces I know little
about, and I feel, at my best, an urge to slow
down time; at my worst, a fearful grasping
for control.

News From 2Q

What an amazing start to the term 2Q have had! We have settled into the routines and expectations of the classroom well and each student brings a positive attitude to the class environment. We have been learning about place value, sounds, writing recounts, being creative in Visual Arts and learning about each other.

We have enjoyed hands on activities, reading and playing games like Into the River, Out of the River, to help us learn. Each student is responsible for a particular job in the classroom and seeing students work together as a team to ensure all our jobs get done has been wonderful.

We are excited to see what we will learn and how we develop our skills over the term. PE and Performing Arts sessions are always fun with Mr Glover and Mr CJ. Term 1 is going to be an exciting term!

Regina Price
2Q Teacher

2T — Our Wonderful First Week

What an exciting and joyful first week we’ve had in 2T. The children have settled beautifully into their new classroom, and it has been a pleasure getting to know each of them. We’ve already begun exploring a range of fun, hands‑on learning activities designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help us feel comfortable in our new environment.

📱 Literacy Fun with iPads

This week, students used iPads to practise spelling familiar words. They enjoyed exploring interactive apps that helped them build confidence with letter sounds, word building, and early spelling strategies. It was wonderful to see how engaged and enthusiastic they were.

🔤 Consonant and Double Sound Bingo

Our literacy learning continued with a lively game of consonant and double‑sound bingo. This activity helped students tune into the sounds they hear in words while having lots of fun competing and celebrating each other’s wins.

🎨 First Day of School Art

To reflect on our first day in 2T, students used crayons and water paints to write and draw about their experiences. Their artwork was colourful, expressive, and full of personality. These pieces gave us a lovely insight into what stood out to them as they began their Year 2 journey.

🧮 Playdough Numbers

In maths, we used playdough to create numbers the children already know. This hands‑on activity helped reinforce number recognition and fine‑motor skills while allowing students to be creative and playful.

🖍 Mindfulness Colouring

To help us settle into classroom routines, we introduced mindfulness colouring. This quiet, calming activity supported students in developing focus, relaxation, and a sense of wellbeing — a lovely way to end a busy day of learning.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, and I’m so proud of how confidently and positively the children have embraced their first week in 2T.

I’m looking forward to many more weeks of learning, laughter, and growth together.

Sherryn Frame
2T Teacher

Welcome to Bayside, Miss Higgs

A school community where our youngest students feel safe, supported and valued – that’s what Prep teacher, Alyssa Higgs, hopes to see at Bayside Christian College.

Miss Higgs is excited to join the Bayside team in 2026. She joins us after moving to Hervey Bay in Christmas 2025, having lived on the Gold Coast her whole life.

Miss Higgs moved to the Bay to be closer to her mum and said it quickly felt like home, thanks to a welcoming and supportive school environment. “The community at Bayside has only cemented my decision to continue my career here,” Miss Higgs said. “I’ve been met with kindness, support, and a sense of togetherness that I am eager to continue to be a part of.”

Miss Higgs has some pretty amazing hobbies outside of the classroom!

With 10 years of teaching experience, Miss Higgs’ passion for Prep shines through in all she does. She delights in the opportunity to play a key role in students’ first year at big school. “I absolutely love working with the Preps and Prep families,” she said. “I want them to enjoy their first year of schooling and develop a love of curiosity and joy in learning.”

“I want to build on their independence, establish strong routines, and provide a caring classroom that promotes kindness and reflects God’s love.”

Outside of the classroom, you will find Miss Higgs getting stuck into all sorts of creative hobbies, including (but not limited to!) crochet, painting, pottery, horse riding, roller skating and playing the drums.

We are excited to welcome Miss Higgs to the Bayside community. Please join us in helping her feel right at home.

HPE Update – Term Overview

As we begin a new term in Health and Physical Education, students across all year levels are preparing to explore a range of exciting and meaningful learning experiences. Our focus continues to be on developing skills, teamwork, and character, while encouraging students to honour God through their participation and attitude.

• Year 8 students will be diving into Musical Movement, where they will build confidence, rhythm, and creativity as they learn to express themselves through coordinated movement.
• Year 9 will be discovering Games From Around the World. This unit will introduce students to a variety of cultural games, helping them appreciate diversity and understand how different communities connect through play.
• Year 10 will begin the term with Netball, developing teamwork, strategy, and game awareness. Later in the term, they will move into Oztag, applying their skills in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Year 11 and 12 Sport & Recreation students will be engaging in Community Recreation. They will explore how sport can be used to serve others, build community, and promote wellbeing — an important opportunity to demonstrate leadership and Christian values in action.

We look forward to a term filled with growth, participation, and positive experiences for all students.

Bayside Barracudas Presentation Dinner 2026

The function room in the Hervey Bay RSL club was packed to capacity for the annual presentation dinner for new Bayside Barracudas inductees. Players, parents and staff were excited to be in the presence of guest speakers NRL legends Petero Civenociva and Lachlan Delbridge.

Petero reminisced about his and Barracudas coach Carter’s early days playing for the under 16s Redcliffe Junior Rugby League Club in the early 1990s.

Forty-six new players were inducted into the Barracudas program, receiving their number and kit bag on stage with Petero. Awards were also presented to last year’s players.

Photos from the night can be viewed by tapping the image below:

Bayside Barracudas thank their Gold Sponsors!

Bec’s Mini Dutch Pancakes donates profits to Ms De Guzman’s cancer treatment

Today saw students and staff queuing out the door (well, the under cover area!) to purchase a plate of yummy mini Dutch pancakes, with profits kindly donated by Bec’s Mini Dutch Pancakes to Ms de Guzman’s cancer treatment.