Bayside Bulletin Newsletter, 7 May 2024

Deputy Principal’s Message

Warm greetings to all as we enter Week 4. As the cold weather begins to settle in, and the comfort of staying in our warm bed a bit longer becomes more tempting, it can have an impact on our school attendance. This fortnight, I have observed an influx of students arriving late to school in the mornings and there is a need to remind our community about the importance of arriving to school on time.

Attendance Matters – Every Minute, Every Day Counts!

It is important to understand that every minute missed accumulates over time. Just 5 minutes a day translates to 3 missed days per year, while arriving 30 minutes late a day, adds up to 18 missed days a year. Although a few minutes of lateness may seem insignificant on a daily basis, the cumulative effect can greatly impact your child’s education.

At Bayside, our morning bell rings at 8:25am to signal the start of the school day and to remind students to make their way to their Homerooms. By 8:30am, Homeroom classes begin. Every minute counts! Students who arrive early have the opportunity to settle in, greet their teachers and peers, and prepare for the day ahead. Those who arrive late not only miss the time to settle in, but they also miss vital information announced by the teacher, impacting their academic focus and awareness of important announcements for the day ahead.

Consistently arriving to school on time helps students develop the positive habit of punctuality, demonstrates a commitment to their education and minimises disruptions in the classroom for all students.

A reminder that parents are encouraged to promptly notify the school of any absences and provide the reason for absence. If your child is absent for genuine reasons such as illness, we kindly ask you to provide a medical certificate to substantiate the reason for absence. For students and families planning leave during term time, particularly if you are anticipating an absence of 5 consecutive days or more from the College, an application for an exemption must be submitted to our Principal/CEO, Mr Brian Grimes. The decision regarding your requested exemption will be based on the reason for absence and other relevant factors. We appreciate your partnership with us to minimise disruptions to your child’s learning.

ANZAC Day Assembly and March

To honour our servicemen and women, the staff and students at Bayside dedicated time to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of the ANZACs through participation in an ANZAC Assembly at the College and the ANZAC Day March at Freedom Park, Hervey Bay. Our Drum Corps proudly represented and led our College during the march, followed by the unity of our Barracudas and our dedicated students and staff who followed in the procession.

Mrs Barron is off on Maternity Leave. Welcome, Ms Strange!

Last week, we celebrated the blessing of Mrs Barron’s upcoming addition to her family. The Barron family is awaiting the arrival of a baby girl, and the staff at Bayside joined together in prayer and well wishes for the safe delivery of her daughter. A special thank you to Mrs Herbert for organising a lovely Baby Shower breakfast for Mrs Barron. As Mrs Barron takes time to embrace the blessing of motherhood, we welcome Ms Strange, who will be taking over the care and instruction of the wonderful students in 3Q. We are pleased to welcome Ms Strange to the Bayside community and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the students under her care.

Junior School Assembly

Despite the rain altering our plans for our assembly last Friday, it did not stop us from celebrating the fantastic achievements of our Junior School students. We thank our parents for joining us in the library to celebrate our Junior School Merit Award recipients. It was a wonderful way to conclude the week, made even more special by the performance of our Year 4 students.

Wide Bay Trials Update

First Game: Barracuda representatives won against Maryborough 32-0! Sophie France was selected for best sportsmanship and was the only female player on the field.

Second Game: The team played the winner from game B (South Burnett) and won 18-0. No points were scored against them. The team played in the pouring rain and have displayed excellent sportsmanship.

The Wide Bay team has been announced and Hervey Bay had six students selected for the state cup, four students are from Bayside. Congratulations to Naite Byrne, Zac Riethmuller, Braxton Thompson and Kobie Woodman! We are all very proud of you! Thank you, Mr and Mrs Carter for your ongoing support and dedication to these students and their Rugby aspirations!

Mother’s Day Assembly and Morning Tea

We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all Mothers and Mother figures to join us for a special assembly and morning tea this Friday 10 May at our College. This event is dedicated to celebrating the invaluable role that Mothers play in the lives of our children.

If you would like to attend our morning tea, please register by going to the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/CRGCL

Cheer Squad – The ‘BAYSIDE BELIEVERS’!

Our Bayside Believers have been selected following auditions, and we are excited to announce their first session as a team this Wednesday morning at 7:15 am. (For those attending the Year 5/6 Camp, the first session will be on Monday, May 13th). The pom-poms are on their way to the College, and we are ready to size our students for the perfect Bayside Believers Cheer Squad uniform fit. Mrs Sneath, Ms Petty, and I cannot wait to see the great things we can achieve with our Believers.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

May we always praise God for His compassion and love that never fails us. As God comforts us in all our times of need, may we be the vessels of His comfort and grace to the lives of others, spreading hope and encouragement as His will for us.

May God continue to bless you and your families abundantly.

Edelle Broadhurst
Deputy Principal

The Barracudas thank their Platinum Sponsor

Building a National Picture of Child Health

From May 2024, our school, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). 

The AEDC is a teacher-completed census (similar to a questionnaire) which provides a comprehensive picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school. The AEDC is an Australian Government Initiative and is completed nationally every three years. 

Children don’t miss any class time while the AEDC is completed, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information.

The data collected through the AEDC is used by schools, communities and governments to better understand children and families’ needs, and identify the services, resources and support they need.

AEDC data is reported at a school, community, state/territory and national level. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and the AEDC is not used as an individual diagnostic tool.Some teachers have found that completing the AEDC made them more aware of the needs of individual children and their class, and that the data was useful for planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing programs. Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, however the AEDC relies on all schools with children in their first year of full-time school participating in the collection.

Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census.

To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families visit: https://www.aedc.gov.au/

If you have any questions, you can contact Ms Amanda Mulder at amanda.mulder@bayside.qld.edu.au 

Message from Lead Head of Faculty

“Shaping Character and Skills”

As we dive into Term 2, our students have embraced the joys and challenges of learning, demonstrating dedication and enthusiasm across all subjects. Our committed faculty has focused on integrating Christian values into our curriculum, emphasising their significance in shaping compassionate and principled individuals at Bayside Christian College. Our core values are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, fostering compassion, humility, resourcefulness, integrity, service, and tenacity among our students.

At Bayside Christian College, we believe in nurturing a community where love, respect, and perseverance thrive, equipping our students to positively impact the world around them. We recognise the importance of instilling these values, which can profoundly influence their lives for years to come.

In addition to our focus on Christian values, we are committed to delivering 21st-century skills to our students. These skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, are essential for preparing our students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By providing robust learning opportunities that emphasise these skills, we are empowering our students to become responsible and engaged citizens of society.

Each department at Bayside Christian College has embraced this mission, tailoring their units to integrate Christian principles and incorporate modern learning skills. Our teachers are dedicated to creating engaging and enriching educational experiences that not only foster academic growth but also promote character development and spiritual maturity.

As we continue through Term 2, we encourage parents to engage with us in nurturing these values at home. Together, we can reinforce the importance of Christian virtues and 21st-century skills, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in providing a holistic education for our students.

Bel France
Lead Head of Faculty

Exploring the World of Science and Technology

Welcome back to another term filled with excitement and discovery in the captivating realms of Science and Technology! As we dive into the intricacies of the natural world and the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, our students are embarking on exciting journeys of exploration and discovery.

Science Update:

In Year 7 Science, our curious minds have delved into the fascinating realm of Ecology. Through immersive investigations, our budding scientists are unravelling the intricate connections within ecosystems, understanding the pivotal roles each organism plays in sustaining these delicate webs of life.

Meanwhile, Year 8 Science scholars are investigating the captivating world of Chemistry. Equipped with lab coats and goggles, they are honing their laboratory prowess while investigating physical and chemical changes.

Year 9 and 10 students are venturing into the realm of Physics this term. From unravelling the mysteries of energy transfer in various forms to exploring the exhilarating forces propelling motion, our students are engaged in hands-on experiments and thought-provoking discussions.

Our Senior Science students are embarking on their Research Investigation assessments, where they have the opportunity to delve deep into topics of personal interest across Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marine Science, and Psychology. This journey of inquiry fosters critical thinking and cultivates a passion for scientific inquiry.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that selected students will be participating in the National Big Science Competition this week. This prestigious event not only tests their scientific knowledge but also challenges their problem-solving abilities within real-world contexts. Regardless of the outcome, all participants will receive recognition for their efforts and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

Technology Highlights:

In the realm of Technology, our Year 7 and 8 STEAM enthusiasts are immersed in hands-on projects with real-world applications. From designing innovative oil spill kits to crafting solutions to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, our students are demonstrating creativity and empathy in equal measure.

Furthermore, they are investigating initiatives to promote sustainability within our school community through the design of a recycling system. These endeavours not only showcase their technological prowess but also underscore their commitment to creating a positive impact on the world around them.

Our Year 7 to 10 students are immersing themselves in the world of robotics, coding, and website development. Through these endeavours, they are not only learning to navigate the digital landscape but also exploring the boundless possibilities of technology to address contemporary challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates and adventures from the Science and Technology faculty!

Inside Mrs Baldwin’s Classrooms

Greetings, fellow parents, students, and educators,

As we delve into the bustling corridors and vibrant classrooms of our school, it’s always a pleasure to witness the dynamic learning experiences taking place. In my rooms for past 6 weeks we have been busy. Here is a summary of what we have been up to.

Year 8 HASS –Businesses and Entrepreneurs

In the realm of Business Entrepreneurship, our Year 8 students have embarked on a thrilling journey akin to a real-life Shark Tank where they have been learning what qualities are needed to be an entrepreneur. Among the intriguing business ideas pitched, one stands out: a Kevlar suit fashioned for everyday wear, reminiscent of something straight out of a James Bond movie. Another inventive concept involves a carpet deodorizer tailored specifically to combat the persistent odours left behind by our furry companions. These young minds are not only exploring innovative solutions but also showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit with flair.

Year 9 and 10 – Navigating the Economic Landscape

With a keen focus on understanding the intricate workings of our economy, students in Year 9 and 10 have been navigating the complex terrain of wants versus needs, grappling with budget constraints, and making tough decisions about resource allocation. Additionally, they’ve been delving into the ethical dimensions of consumerism, pondering over the impact of their purchasing choices on global supply chains. Through discussions on Fair Trade principles and critical analyses of businesses like Temu and Shein, students are gaining valuable insights into the ethical responsibilities that come with economic participation.

Year 11 and 12 Business

In the realm of Business Studies, Year 11 students are immersing themselves in the world of franchises, exploring the intricacies of this business model and its implications for both franchisors and franchisees. Meanwhile, Year 12 students are diligently preparing for their final assessments, honing their analytical skills and strategic thinking to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in their academic journey and beyond.

Year 11 Psychology – Unravelling the Mysteries of Intelligence

Shifting our focus to the captivating realm of Psychology, Year 11 students are embarking on a fascinating exploration of intelligence. Through thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities, they are dissecting the multifaceted nature of intelligence, challenging conventional notions, and examining the nuances that shape our perceptions of cognitive abilities. By engaging in IQ tests and reflecting on the results, students are confronting the age-old question: “What does it truly mean to be intelligent?”

Until next time, let us continue to support and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students as they navigate the winding paths of education and discovery.

Mrs Baldwin

Sunshine Kindy

In the Kindy, we have been having a blast with some new ideas. One child noticed our magic sticks could be made to look a lot like bubble wands. So, we decided to test this theory out. We made a range of wands from the magic sticks and the children also thought to use pipe cleaners.

Once our wands were ready, we went outside with a large tub of bubble mix. Guess what? Our homemade bubble wands worked! Among the bubbles, laughter and wonder we chatted about the science behind the bubbles. From the secret behind creating big and small bubbles to how the bubbles moved around the yard.

Our adventure won’t end here though! The children have the best time catching the bubbles, in the days ahead, we will explore the world of touchable bubbles.

Jessica Bedding
Sunshine Kindy

Prep T

Watch out, we have authors, poets, spelling stars and handwriting masters in Prep T!

Each morning we practice our letter writing. We discuss the grapheme (the letter), how we form it and what phoneme it makes (the sound). Writing practice is crucial in helping young children reach their developmental milestones. By practicing their formation and writing skills, children can improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive potential.

We have also been practicing how we ‘say it, stretch it, write it, check it’ when spelling our CVC words. The teachers say a CVC word, the students then repeat it, stretch out the word to see how many phonemes there are, write it and then check it. Look at us go with our spelling!

To top it all off, we have been learning about alliteration. We have read a variety of books that contain alliteration and have discussed what the connection/pattern is. We then created our own alliteration sentences and wrote them independently! We are so proud with how much progress everyone has made! What SUPERSTARS! 🌟

We love being outside and being active! Gross motor skills are important to enable children to perform everyday functions, such as walking and running, playground skills (e.g. climbing) and sporting skills. We value venturing outside to participate in a variety of gross motor activities and we also take the opportunity to link the activities with some other learning areas, such as literacy and maths (reading CVC words, sight words and writing, numbers and shapes).

ANZAC Day, Lest We Forget. In our HASS unit this term, we are learning about celebrations and commemorations. We understand that celebrations are things that we can all celebrate, such as Easter, Christmas and birthdays. We also learnt that commemorations are special days for us to remember something that has happened in the past. Families can commemorate ANZAC Day by attending the ANZAC Day march or Dawn Service, laying wreaths by monuments or wearing poppies and rosemary sprigs. To commemorate ANZAC Day and to remember the soldiers who fought for our country and still continue to do so, we create some precious poppy artwork.

Bikes, backflips and stunts, oh my! WOW were the words coming from Prep T as we experienced the action packed stunts from JC Action Sports. The students thoroughly enjoyed watching the amazing tricks each rider completed and also learnt that anything is possible when you do things together as a collective network and follow God. Truly inspiring talents and messages from JC Action Sports.

Beautiful Beebots! In our technology unit, we have been learning how to create algorithms to program our Beebots to move. First, we learnt that an algorithm is a set of instructions that we can give to someone or something to complete a task. We then explored the functions of the Beebots and looked at how we can give our Beebot an algorithm to perform, travelling from point A to point B. So much fun!

Prep Q

Whilst Term 2 is notorious for having several shorter weeks due to the number of public holidays, our Bayside Preppies sure have been busy. Students kicked off their learning in technology by exploring the Bee Bot robots which require them to create codes to direct the device from one place to another. They have learned about the importance of commemorating ANZAC Day by participating in a special ANZAC Day Parade. JC Sports demonstrated amazing abilities on their BMX bikes all the while sharing the word of God with a spectacular show enjoyed by the entire school. Prep Q were then inspired to write about the experience.  So much fun, so much learning!

2Q and 2T Talk About Emotions

In Year 2, our students have been delving into the fascinating world of emotions through their Health curriculum. Through engaging activities and discussions, they’ve been exploring a spectrum of feelings, from joy and excitement to frustration and sadness. By understanding their own emotions and those of others, they’re developing crucial empathy and social skills. These lessons not only nurture their emotional intelligence but also create a supportive classroom environment where every feeling is acknowledged and respected. Check out our amazing art work based on the characters from the movie Inside Out.

Emma Davis

Exciting Developments in Performing Arts

The Music classroom is alive with laughter and imagination as our Year 3 students immerse themselves in the world of mime, utilising their bodies and facial expressions to bring characters to life. Under the revamped curriculum of Performing Arts, which now seamlessly integrates music, drama and dance into every lesson, students from Prep to Year 6 are engaged in dynamic learning experiences. From fostering imagination in the younger years to exploring symbolism in the intermediate grades and refining rap skills in Year 6, The Music Room buzzes with energy and creativity, ensuring that there is never a dull moment as our students embark on their artistic journey.

Erika Muller
Music Teacher

Year 7—10 Students Excel In Music Elective!

In the realm of elective courses, Music can sometimes seem like a daunting choice, especially for those who feel they lack knowledge or skills. However, our Bayside students have proven time and again that underestimating them is a mistake! This term, our Year 7—10 students were offered the opportunity to explore the realms of music through either digital piano, guitar, or ukulele. What’s more, they were challenged to master a part of their favourite song by the end of the term. They have embraced the challenge with unparalleled enthusiasm! From timeless classics like ‘Somewhere, over the rainbow’ to contemporary hits like ‘Dandelions’, and even venturing into the realm of video game soundtracks with ‘Terraria’, our students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and progress. Not only are they mastering practical skills, but the are also delving into basic music theory and exploring the instrumental families of the symphonic orchestra. We are immensely proud of this outstanding group of students whose passion and commitment to music knows no bounds!

Erika Muller
Music Teacher

A Virtual Visit

On the 3rd of May 2024, the Years 7 and 8 Social Entrepreneurship Class travelled virtually to New Delhi, India. They met Ms. Monika Upneja, a successful young entrepreneur who set up her Digital Marketing start-up four years ago.

Monica shared her journey, experiences, and lessons learned, offering invaluable inspiration and guidance to our aspiring changemakers. This interactive session provided our students valuable insights into entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on social impact and innovation.

Seeing our young aspiring entrepreneurs participating wholeheartedly in the interactive session was wonderful.

Mrs. Madhumita Sengupta
Teacher
Social Entrepreneurship

ICT

Year 7 and 8 students have been looking at robots, learning how to program them, and using a virtual robot simulator to program their robots to solve simple problems, such as drawing shapes. The students have been excited to get to program the robots and, although early in the term, some have started writing quite complex programs for their virtual friends. As practice, the students created a flowchart describing how to make a jam sandwich. Fortunately, most were very good, and we managed to finish the lesson with a snack!

Year 9 and 10 have helped write a story that will form the basis of the computer game they are developing. Learning simple Web development using HTML and CSS, the students will be creating a class web site that will allow people to play their game – taking the player from the deep, dark forest through to an abandoned city and, finally, home again.

In ICT, Year 11 students are learning about game programming. This term they will design a video game for young children, which they will then produce next term. Students have completed an investigation in to that makes a good game, and have commenced planning their game.

Year 12 students in ICT are planning and preparing a live-stream video broadcast. This involves investigating hardware equipment, and planning a budget for a fictitious company. The students are then planning on broadcasting a variety of school activities, including eSports, Basketball and the Barracudas!

Year 11 Media Arts students are designing a video game character this term. They have been looking at, and playing, a number of video games, and analysing the characters in them to help with their design. While the students do seem to prefer playing the games to writing their analyses, they are doing very well and I am looking forward to seeing their designs come to fruition.

Year 12 Media Arts students are looking, or, rather, listening, to sound design in visual media. They are analysing different videos and seeing how important sound design is in the media. The student shave just begun planning a project where they will take and edit existing video, replacing the sound effects and music with their own to put forward their point of view.

Max Young
Teacher

Spotlight on VET, Food Technology, Textiles and HASS

As we enter Term Two, our Year 10 students are diving into a range of exciting and challenging topics in preparation for their upcoming work experience and Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan meetings.

During this term, Year 10 Career Education students will be focusing on workplace health and safety topics to ensure they are well-prepared for their work experience placements from Monday 8th July to Friday 12th July. They will also be exploring career pathways that align with their interests in preparation for their SET Plan meetings in Week 2 of Term 3.

To provide students with additional insights into future pathways and course opportunities, we will be welcoming various industry professionals for visitations. These experts will share their knowledge and experiences with our students to help them make informed decisions about their future.

In the Hospitality & Food Technology department, students have been learning about kitchen safety as well as a range of healthy food types, including culturally significant dishes. This hands-on experience not only teaches students valuable cooking skills but also opens their minds to different culinary traditions.

In Textiles, students are being challenged to think innovatively about their design choices. By focusing on environmentally sustainable materials, students are not only honing their creative skills but are also learning to consider the social, ethical, and sustainable implications of their work. These projects encourage students to think critically about their choices and is preparing them to be responsible and environmentally conscious designers in the future.

In the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) department, students are delving into economics and business topics that are essential for understanding the world around them. From learning about resource allocation in the economy to exploring entrepreneurial behaviours and global trade, students are gaining valuable insights into how the world works. By focusing on productivity, growth, and living standards, students are developing a strong foundation in economics and business that will serve them well in their future endeavours. Year 7 students are learning about resource allocation in the economy, while Year 8 students are exploring entrepreneurial behaviours and refining their business enterprise skills through innovative projects. Year 9 students are exploring globalisation and fair trade, while Year 10 students are focusing on productivity, growth, and living standards.

Overall, Term Two promises to be a stimulating and engaging period for our students as they explore a wide range of topics to prepare them for their future educational and career pathways.

Jenny Baker
Head of VET and Industry

Learning Enrichment

The Learning Enrichment Department provides support, skills, understanding and experience to students, their teachers and families within a faith-filled, inclusive environment. Learning Enrichment staff work closely with students, classroom teachers, the College Executive Team, Head of Junior School, Senior School Coordinator, and families to ensure students gain a well-rounded education with the support they each need.

There are 17 staff currently within the Learning Enrichment Department – 14 Teacher Aides (TAs), 1 Administration Officer, 1 Learning Enrichment Teacher and myself as Director of Learning Enrichment. We are a close-knit team, supporting in classrooms from Prep to Year 12. Currently, there is a TA in each of the two classrooms across Prep to Year 2, then a TA shared across both year level classrooms, from Year 3. The main focus of TA support occurs in the core subjects of English, HASS, Maths and Science, as well as in activities which may have equipment and resources where an extra staff member would be of benefit, eg Science experiments, Textiles and Food Technology lessons, as well as such things as camps.

The Learning Enrichment staff support students across six sub-departments:

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students (literacy, numeracy and social/emotional wellbeing)
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect
• Gifted & Talented/Extension/High Achieving (providing extension work in the classroom by the classroom teacher)
• Learning Support (such as literacy and numeracy difficulties, as well as social/emotional wellbeing)
• Students in Out-of-Home Care (students in the care of the Chief Executive)
• Students with Disabilities (with formally diagnosed disabilities)

Please feel free to contact me any time to discuss your child’s needs. My contact details are kathy.jamieson@bayside.qld.edu.au or 07 4124 4417.

Kathy Jamieson
Director of Learning Enrichment

IT’S SHOW TIME!

There is a string of Productions Noah Byrne is about to be part of, and it would be fantastic if you are able to come along to any to give support to our amazing local theatre companies.

First up on 12th July is Macabre Theatre Companies Production of Heather’s showing at Brolga Theatre.

Next from 19th July is Accent Theatre Company Production of Ange showing at Powerhouse Theatre.

Then a run from 9th August at Z-PAC Theatre the Production of Child Of The Black Skirt.

Lastly in this flow on the 30th August is the Production of 9-5 presented by Macabre Theatre showing at Brolga.