Principal’s Message
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13: 16
Welcome to the very first Newsletter of 2024. With this, a very special welcome to the new families who have joined our College. I pray that you will find our community to be a place of care, grace, friendship, and above all one in which we commit ourselves to God in all we do.
So often, we hear of people complaining about life’s challenges, but how often do we hear them proclaiming the wonderful blessings and gifts we have been given? It would seem to me that complaints outweigh the recognition given to thankfulness and appreciation a great many times. This balance is reflective of the lens that we look at the world through, and this affects the way we engage and treat others. Imagine how we would feel if we truly counted our blessings? If we ignored what was difficult and focussed on the blessings? This is inherent in the human condition, but does it need to be?
We have the power to change the way we view our lives, the challenges we face, and the world. This is not to suggest that such a worldview is not without its difficulties, but if we are to find the happiness we seek, it must come through this change. Our lives have the potential to be shallow if we allow them to be. Many of the things people treasure can so easily be taken away by natural disaster, a change in circumstances, misfortune, or through the action of others. True happiness is found in that which can never be taken from us, and only we can walk away from – a relationship with God.
There are many who know and believe this, but equally there are many in our community who are yet to feel and experience this connection. As we walk this road together, there are a number of things that must be agreed, such things are the non-negotiables of our community.
- We are first and foremost a Christian School. The word “Christian” may be central in our name but more importantly it is central to who we are, and who we are called to be.
- We show compassion and care for all; act with humility; and support all others. When we seek membership of any group, we are ascribing to the group’s values, beliefs, and we commit to aid in further developing and supporting the group. As a community, we are called to support and show an interest not in our child alone, but in all children. This means that we need to ensure our children behave in such a way to support all others, as do we. We need to celebrate and encourage others in their personal achievements, and not selfishly care only for our own child.
- We attend and support Community events. There is no sense in joining a community and then seeking to do our own thing. Joining a community means genuinely supporting all others and sometimes this means, sacrificing our personal wishes for the betterment of others. We support and attend College functions to help create the community we seek. We are the change; we are the positive influence, and we exemplify all that we want from others.
Sadly, these agreements and expectations are all too often forgot and instead of helping build the positive and caring community we seek; we allow the negatives to rise to the fore and distract us from doing good. Those who join an independent school, do so for a variety of reasons, but ultimately they do this because they are seeking a community, and as such, each of us here, whether staff, students or parents, are called to create the community we seek.
It “takes a village to raise a child” – be the village you seek. More importantly, and as found in Hebrews 13: 16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Should we seek blessings from God, we must be a blessing to others. God is pleased when we do for others, when we give with the heart, and when we show care and love to all others. Through our actions, we have the ability to not only do good for others, but we allow people to see God working through us.
As you experience all you do throughout the year, I ask you to be the community you seek, and to engage and support all others, and through this, make our school a truly special place to be.
I also encourage you to read the Newsletters as they are released each fortnight. They contain important information, details of upcoming events, and articles we hope you will find of interest. I trust that joining our community (or remaining here) is truly an active and deliberate choice you have made, and having done so, that you have committed yourself to the community and our values.
Over the last few months, I have denied enrolment to a number of families, who I feel did not have the necessary alignment with our values. This is not done easily, nor do I take any pleasure in this, but if we are to grow under God, and as per God’s Will, then we need to ensure that those who join our College are indeed truly committed to our values and very open to learning about and walking with God. Being a part of this community, whether as a parent, a student or a staff member must come with a requisite degree of appreciation, gratitude, and thankfulness, not expectation and right.
It is my hope and prayer that our community will stand aside from the rudeness, declining standards, dividedness, and adversity seen in so many parts of Australian society, and that we will be a beacon of care, love, inclusion, grace, and support for all; a community of faithful believers; and a community of genuine Godly values.
I welcome you all to our College and to what I hope will be a wonderful year ahead.
Blessings.
Brian Grimes
Principal/CEO
Bayside Barracudas Presentation Dinner
Bayside Christian College’s new Rugby League Development Program, the Bayside Barracudas, celebrated their inaugural Presentation Dinner at the Hervey Bay RSL Club on Friday 19 January.
The program was launched in style with a formal dinner for players, family and sponsors. Guests on the night included chairman of the Dolphins, Bob Jones and NRL great, Darren Senter, who spoke about being a quality person and never giving up. Mr Grimes spoke about his desire to see the players reach the game’s highest levels, with the chosen players having the determination to get there.
Each player was given a program recruitment number that will always be theirs. Lilly Sloan and Tyler Mulhall will go down in history as the Barracudas first two members.
“It feels so real now with everything. It’s just going to be such a great night and such a great program. I’m so honoured to be the first one to be part of it and I just can’t describe how excited I am!”, said Lilly Sloan, Barracuda #1.
Tyler Mulhall, Barracuda #2 said, “It’s an honour to be named the second Barracuda. I couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s awesome! The most exciting thing to be part of the Barracudas would be just to grow up and hopefully play for the Dolphins, which would be amazing.”
The program is part of the players’ school curriculum, “We want them to have an education as a priority,” said Head Coach, Brett Carter. “They’ll be doing two double periods a week each, for each different age group and that will then go through into games and then go into tournaments as well,” added Assistant Coach, Michael Bennett.
Lucky door tickets were drawn throughout the evening for prizes ranging from footballs and caps to the main prize of a signed Dolphins jersey.
The night ended with players being presented with their official kit bag.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor:
Deputy Principal’s Message
Welcome Back to School for 2024!
I send you all a warm and heartfelt welcome back to school as we begin a new year together. May this year be filled with blessings, peace, prosperity, and unity within our beloved Bayside Christian College community. It has been wonderful to witness the excitement from our students this week. I was blessed to see big smiles and I was privileged to listen to the holiday stories the students shared with me.
A special mention goes out to our Prep learners who started their journey in big school this week. It is certainly a time of mixed emotions for them as they develop independence, and we understand the anxiety that may strike our Prep parents. Trust that our dedicated teachers are doing an excellent job ensuring the students feel settled, happy, and comfortable in their new school environment.
We are blessed to welcome a significant number of new students this week and in the coming weeks. I am truly looking forward to meeting all our new families throughout the term.
Bayside Barracudas:
Last Friday, we held the Bayside Barracudas Presentation Dinner Evening. An event filled with pride and excitement for all our Barracudas, our staff and parents. This program is a fantastic, life-changing opportunity for our students, and we are immensely proud of the young men and women who will represent Bayside on and off the field. We are very excited to cheer them on during their games and are confident in the leadership of Coach Brett Carter and Assistant Coach Michael Bennett.
If you missed it, here is the link for the video of the Channel 7 Wide Bay news story that aired on Monday night.
https://vimeo.com/905781398?share=copy
Creation Ministries Event: Impacting our Evolution-Soaked Culture
Bayside Christian College is delighted to host Steve Muller, a renowned speaker on creationism, for a lecture titled “Impacting our Evolution-Soaked Culture” on Friday 9 February at 6pm. Steve is not only a dynamic speaker but also a talented artist. The students will participate in some workshop sessions with Steve throughout the day, but we invite you all to join us for his presentation in the evening.
Join us for this must-see event as Steve Muller shares the good news that the biblical account of origins is historically accurate and makes better sense of the evidence.
This is a FREE event, but seats are limited, so please book in advance using the link below. We hope to see you there!
https://www.trybooking.com/CNYWE
ThinkUKnow Presentation Event: Promoting Online Safety
Online safety is an important area that we are committed to addressing at Bayside. On Tuesday 6 February at 6:30pm, we will host a ThinkUKnow presentation, and I strongly encourage all parents, staff, and families to attend this important event.
ThinkUKnow Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom, and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, delivers an evidence-based education program nationally to prevent online child sexual exploitation. The presentation, facilitated by a local law enforcement member and an industry volunteer, addresses vital topics to help our young people become safe and responsible users of technology. It also provides valuable information for parents to manage social media issues and be aware of online safety.
Your attendance will support us in proactively addressing the challenges of social media, no matter what age your child is. Online safety issues are an ongoing issue around us. Please click on the link to book your seats.
https://www.trybooking.com/COTUB
The start of the school year is certainly a busy one, with numerous events and opportunities to connect as a community. I hope that 2024 becomes the year we witness increased engagement from our community in the various events hosted by Bayside. These gatherings bond us as part of the Bayside Family and allows our students to witness unity between parents, staff, and community members.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we start this new school year, we humbly seek your divine guidance and blessings. Lord, we ask for your protection to be upon us throughout the year. Guide our steps in all we do. May your presence be felt in every classroom and gathering, reminding us all of your love and compassion for us.
Bless our students and grant our teachers the wisdom to inspire and nurture the young minds entrusted to their care. May the staff, parents, and community members be united in purpose, working together harmoniously for the well-being and growth of our Bayside family. Lord, we pray for an abundance of blessings to shower down upon our school. Bless us with resilience in times of challenge, joy in moments of triumph, and grace in our interactions with one another.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Edelle Broadhurst
Deputy Principal
Online Safety: ThinkUKnow Presentation Evening
Bayside Christian College will be hosting a ThinkUKnow presentation on Tuesday 6 February at 6:30pm at the Bayside Christian College Chapel and all parents, carers and teachers are strongly encouraged to attend.
ThinkUKnow Australia is an evidence-based education program delivered nationally to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
ThinkUKnow Australia is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The program is delivered in collaboration with policing partners: New South Wales Police Force, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police, South Australia Police, Tasmania Police, Western Australia Police, as well as Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.
The presentation will be delivered by a local law enforcement member and an industry volunteer. The presentation is pro-technology and addresses topics including self-generated child abuse material, online grooming, sexual extortion and importantly encourages help seeking behaviour.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about young people and the online environment, and how you can help them to be safe and responsible users of technology.
For more information, you can visit https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/
I strongly encourage you all to click on the link below to book your free seats now. If you have a child or children who use devices, this is an event for you.
Hervey Bay District School Sport Trials
Students interested in trialling for the following sports on Wednesday 14 February please see Mrs France for more information:
belinda.france@bayside.qld.edu.au
- Girls Netball U15 and Open
- Girls Rugby 7s 15-18yrs
- Soccer 13–18 yrs Boys/Girls
- Volleyball 12–19 yrs Boys/Girls
- Softball Open Girls/Boys
NRL Dolphins League Tag (29 November 2023)
Hope everyone had a nice day. Firstly I’d like to say a big thank you to the year 5/6 students that participated in today’s gala day. They all played with great team spirit and were very enthusiastic about the day. We won 3 games and drew the last game, 2-all. One of the games we came back from 2-1 down to win 4-2. It was so great to see Bayside Christian College out there competing against the other schools.
Tully Bartlett in Year 6 won best player (of the whole competition) on and off the field for her encouragement and team spirit for the entire carnival. Well done!
Next a big thank you to Mr Glover for your help today. At the end of the day he wore the drum of water all over him from the students!
Thanks,
Mr Carter
Dyshart Awarded for Swimming
With a current Australian ranking of number one in numerous freestyle categories as well as the 50-metre breaststroke in his S19 classification, Dyshart has excelled in swimming at a national level.
Swimming Carnival 5–8 year olds
Thursday 30 November saw the 5-8 year olds don their goggles and swimming caps and make their way to the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre to compete against their peers in friendly competition. The day focused on fun and enjoyment and showcased what the students had learnt in their Makos swimming lessons. Everyone had a great time and despite it being a very hot day it was awesome to be in the water.
My thanks go to Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre for the use of their pool, the teachers for all their help, the Grade 5 student helpers and students for making the day a special one and one that is always enjoyed by all. I’m already looking forward to next year’s carnival.
Photos of the day may be viewed here:
https://baysidecc.myportfolio.com/swimming-carnival-5-8-years-2023
Mr Glover
Year 10 Science
Year 10 Science students are studying genetics this term. In this experiment they were extracting DNA from strawberries.
Past student Noah Byrne receives Australia Day Honours for his contribution to the Arts.
