Almost ready

We are thrilled to announce that our brand-new Performing Arts Precinct is almost ready to open its doors! This exceptional space will be a true hub for creativity and talent, providing our students with state-of-the-art facilities to express themselves and develop their skills to the fullest.

With dedicated spaces for music, drama, dance, and other performing arts, this precinct will empower Bentleigh students to reach their creative potential and showcase their talents in ways we’ve never been able to before.

The official opening is set for 4 December 2024, and we can’t wait to celebrate this exciting milestone with the entire school community. Stay tuned for more details on how you can be part of this special event!

We’re so proud of this next step in enhancing our students’ learning experiences, and we look forward to seeing the incredible performances, rehearsals, and projects that will come to life in this stunning new space.

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Monday 11/11

On Monday, 11 November, the Student Representative Council (SRC) held a fundraising event to mark Remembrance Day, a time to honour and reflect on those who have died in service to our country through wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Throughout Period 1, the SRC sold a range of merchandise, including wristbands, pens, poppies, and lapel pins. All funds raised were donated to the Bentleigh RSL Club to support their ongoing work with veterans and their families.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, whether by making a donation or purchasing items. Your contributions will make a real difference and help to preserve the memory of those who have served. Thank you for your support of this important cause!

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Monday 11 November 2024

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Wednesday 13 November

SRC Bake Sale Raises Funds for Bushfire Appeal

On Wednesday, 13 November, the SRC organized a successful lunchtime Bake Sale.

Students baked a variety of treats, including cookies, cupcakes, and muffins, and sold them during the event. All baked goods adhered to strict ingredient guidelines, ensuring no nuts were included.

The stall, located outside the staffroom, also offered soft drinks for sale. The event was a resounding success, with all proceeds donated to support the Bushfire Appeal.

As always, the food was amazing, and the Bentleigh Secondary College community came together to make a difference!

Bentleigh Secondary College – SRC

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Shine in Film Prop-Making Workshop Our VCE and Year 10 Media students immersed themselves in the creative world of filmmaking during a hands-on prop-making workshop. The session highlighted the significance of props in storytelling and explored innovative ways to create them on a budget.

Students experimented with crafting realistic film props such as fake blood, bird droppings, and vomit, developing skills in both creativity and resourcefulness. They then took their creations a step further by producing short advertisements to “sell the unsellable,” showcasing their originality and humor.

The workshop was an engaging and inspiring experience, allowing students to bring their ideas to life while gaining practical insights into the art of filmmaking.

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Dominate Ultimate Frisbee Rally Day

The Year 8 A and B teams showcased their skills and teamwork at the Ultimate Frisbee Rally Day, securing first place in both pools!
With amazing energy, precise throws, and outstanding collaboration, the teams demonstrated excellence throughout the day.

A huge congratulations to all participants for their incredible effort and well-deserved success!

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You’re Invited:

Official Opening of the New Performing Arts Centre

We are thrilled to invite the Bentleigh Secondary College community to the grand opening of our new Performing Arts Precinct!

Date: Wednesday, December 4
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Bentleigh Secondary College

Join us as we unveil this exciting new space and witness its incredible transformation.

Bookings essential.
RSVP here: https://www.trybooking.com/CXGUL

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

Inside Perspective:

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November 2024

Earlier in the year, as part of Bullying No Way National Week of Action 12 – 16 August 2024, the school explored Everyone Belongs.  Each day Ms Prewett sent an activity and video for example: Everyone belongs, Promote empathy, Embrace Diversity,  and Fostering Positive Relationships.

This month, I revisited this issue that affects far too many young people: bullying in compass posts. Whether it’s happening in schools, online, or even within peer groups or in parliament, bullying is a destructive force that leaves deep emotional, psychological, and social scars. One only needs to consider the events portrayed in the media to understand the effects of bullying on young people can be devastating. At an age where they are discovering who they are, learning to express themselves, and trying to fit in, bullying can undermine their sense of self-worth. It isolates them, making them feel powerless and alone. In some cases, the pain of bullying leads to long-term issues like anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of self-harm. It impacts not just the individual being bullied, but also the wider community, creating a culture of fear and exclusion.

Bullying can come in many forms—physical aggression, verbal abuse, social exclusion, or online harassment. But no matter how it manifests, the impact is the same. It chips away at a person’s confidence, their ability to trust others, and their sense of safety. In 2024 our students completed the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) and I have provided the data for Experience of Bullying:

• I have been bullied at my school this term 9%
• I have been bullied at my school in the past twelve months 17%
• I have often been targeted in an unpleasant way or called names at my school (verbal) 23%
• Other students often leave me out of things on purpose or spread on purpose about me at school (social) 14%
• I have been hit, kicked, hurt or threatened on purpose by another student 17%
• I have often been picked on by another student from my school while online or on social media (cyber) 9%

 

While the data is less than 25%, it is still unacceptable. As a principal with 35 years of experience in education, I strongly advocate for “Bullying No Way” and hope to see data closer to 0%.  So, what can we do about it?

As a community, we must take a stand. We need to create an environment where kindness, respect, and empathy are the foundation of all interactions mentioned at every assembly. This means not just addressing bullying when we see it but actively working to prevent it. We need to teach young people to embrace diversity, resolve conflicts peacefully, and speak out when they see someone being mistreated. Every one of us has the power to make a difference, whether it’s by offering support to someone being bullied or by challenging behaviours that encourage bullying.

To those who have been bullied: know that you are not alone. There is support available, and there are people who care about your well-being. To those who have stood by in silence, I urge you to be brave, to stand up for what’s right, and to be an ally to those who need your support.

I also shared some insights, specifically focusing on Learner Characteristics and Dispositions which encompasses the attitudes, beliefs, and habits that shape an individual’s approach to learning. Key qualities include curiosity, motivation, resilience, and openness to new experiences. A positive learner disposition fosters an engaged and effective learning process, enabling students to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and reflect on their learning.  Survey Data Overview:

• Learner Confidence: 56%
• Perseverance: 58%
• Motivation and Interest: 54%
• Self-Regulation and Goal-Setting: 57%
• Attitudes to Attendance: 76%

While our attendance rate is acceptable, we must address the concerning trend of students being absent or taking extended holidays. It’s important to emphasise that consistent attendance is crucial for educational success.

Parents play a vital role in nurturing a positive learner disposition. Here are several strategies you can adopt:

1. Model a Growth Mindset: Demonstrate belief in the ability to grow and improve through effort. Share personal stories of overcoming challenges and emphasize that mistakes are learning opportunities.
2. Encourage Curiosity: Foster a sense of wonder by exploring new topics together. Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and encourage your child to ask their own questions.
3. Create a Supportive Environment: Establish a safe space for learning where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Celebrate their efforts, not just achievements.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable learning goals and celebrate their progress. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more attainable.
5. Encourage Perseverance: Share stories of resilience and support your child when they encounter challenges. Remind them that persistence is key to success.
6. Foster a Love for Reading: Encourage regular reading by providing access to a variety of books and making it a shared activity. Discuss stories to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.

By actively engaging in these practices, parents can significantly influence their child's disposition toward learning, setting a foundation for a lifelong love of knowledge and growth.

Understanding Confidence and Self-Efficacy
Confidence is both an internal feeling and an external display. In social situations, we can often sense confidence in others. In the classroom, students may exhibit varying levels of confidence. The terms "self-esteem," "competency," and "self-efficacy" can sometimes cause confusion. Research shows that enhancing a child’s self-efficacy can be achieved through meaningful encouragement (Hattie & Yates, 2014). Instead of simply saying, “You can do it,” provide specific guidance, such as, “I know you can solve these problems; they’re similar to the ones you practiced last week, just a bit more challenging.” This kind of encouragement helps trigger relevant memories and access knowledge.
You can use “can do” language at home, such as, “Let’s use a storyboard technique,” or “You can complete this because it builds on what you learned in class.”

Reflecting on Mindsets
How we perceive ourselves profoundly impacts how we engage with the world. Our beliefs about our abilities shape much of our personality and potential. Here’s an important insight: human qualities, such as intellectual skills and personality traits, can be cultivated with effort (Dweck, 2007). Your beliefs about intelligence and personality have significant consequences.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on our beliefs about ability, intelligence, personality, and character. Discuss with your child what they believe can be changed or developed, versus what they think is unchangeable. I encourage you to refer to the attached Growth Mindset Handouts and complete the “Do You…?” activity.

Looking Ahead
Our Middle School Leaders will analyse the AtoSS data, particularly for Years 8 and 9, to generate actionable insights and recommendations for improving learning outcomes. The student focus groups will play a significant role in this process.  Let us all work together to create a community where every young person is a confident learner with positive dispositions. Next week or so, I will share more data regarding Community Connections from AtoSS.

I take this opportunity to wish our Year 12 students all the best as they begin exams on Tuesday 29 October and all the other students commencing exams in Week 8 of this term.

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