The Bentonian February 2025
Principal’s Message
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all members of the School Council as we commence our first meeting for the year. Your continued support and dedication to our school community is greatly appreciated.
1. Student Enrolments & Staffing
We are pleased to welcome 190 new students to our college in 2025, bringing our total enrolment to approximately 936 students, including 20 International students.
Our teaching team has also been strengthened with the addition of several new staff members. Comprehensive induction programs have been delivered to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for both staff and students.
2. Strategic Priorities for 2025
In alignment with our Strategic Plan, our key focus areas for the year include:
Student Learning: Improving literacy and numeracy outcomes through targeted intervention and differentiated teaching strategies.
Wellbeing & Engagement: Enhancing student support through expanded mental health initiatives and the introduction of a school-wide positive behaviour framework.
Professional Development: Providing staff with ongoing training in curriculum development, inclusive education practices, and the effective integration of technology.
3. Facilities & Infrastructure
The recent upgrade of our Performing Arts Precinct has significantly enhanced our learning environment and extended our piazza area.
We are now in the planning phase for further improvements, including maintenance work on our library and VCE facilities.
4. Student Wellbeing & Behaviour
Our dedicated Wellbeing Team has been proactively addressing student needs through a range of programs and workshops, including those focused on cyber safety and anti-bullying.
We continue to promote positive behaviour and clear expectations through initiatives such as Real Schools and the 5 Step Plan.
5. Community Engagement & Events
The year has commenced with strong community involvement through events such as the Whole School Assembly, Year 7 Meet and Greet, and the Swimming Carnival.
Looking ahead, we are excited about a range of upcoming events, including parent-teacher interviews, school camps, Open Night, and Harmony Day celebrations.
As we begin the academic year, our focus remains on building a safe, inclusive, and high-performing learning environment. I look forward to a productive year ahead, working in partnership with the School Council to continue achieving great outcomes for our students and staff.
Helene E. Hiotis
Principal
Whole School Assembly of 2025
Our first whole school assembly for 2025 was a special occasion as we officially welcomed our newest members of the Bentleigh Secondary College community – the Year 7 cohort.
Stepping into secondary school is a big moment, and we’re so excited to have you with us. This year will be filled with new experiences, from forming lifelong friendships to tackling exciting challenges in and out of the classroom. There will be moments of growth, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to shine.
To our Year 7s – we’re thrilled to be part of your journey. Make the most of every opportunity, be kind to one another, and most importantly, enjoy the adventure ahead!
Year 7 Welcome
Senior Girls Cricket
On Thursday 13 Febuary our senior girls cricket team proudly represented Bentleigh Secondary College with enthusiasm, determination, and team spirit. Their passion for the sport and commitment to excellence were on full display, both on and off the field.
We look forward to an exciting season ahead and wish the team every success in their upcoming matches. Go Bentleigh!
Swimming Carnival
The 2025 Bentleigh Secondary College Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day, enjoyed by all! As the mercury rose, so did our students achievements, all students embraced the spirit of the event, showing outstanding enthusiasm and sportsmanship across a wide range of competitive and novelty events.
A special mention goes to our Year 12 students, whose synchronised swimming performance brought both creativity and energy to the pool – a definite crowd favourite!
We extend our thanks to all students, staff, and volunteers for their incredible participation and support throughout the day. The house spirit was alive and well, with every team giving their all.
Congratulations to all competitors, and to our house teams for a great start to the year. With many events still to come, the leaderboard is far from settled – anything can happen!
House Points:
Fawkner – 748 points
Hawker – 645 points
Wickham – 639 points
Dendy – 441 points
Food Technology
Our Food Studies students have been busy showcasing their culinary skills during week 4 of Term 1.
Year 9 students embraced Japanese cuisine, preparing delicious okonomiyaki—savory pancakes packed with flavour and creativity.
Meanwhile, our Year 10s impressed with perfectly baked cheese and spinach triangles and rolls, achieving the ideal balance of crispiness and cheesy goodness.
The kitchen was filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of budding chefs in action—and plenty of happy taste testers to enjoy the results. Well done to all involved for demonstrating such skill, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Leadership Conference
Our 2025 Bentleigh Secondary College Captains—Teagan, William, Alex, and Tadhg—recently had the opportunity to attend the St Leonard’s Leadership Conference, accompanied by Head of Year 12, Mr Ekonomopoulos.
The conference offered a dynamic program focused on developing authentic, adaptable, and empowered leadership. Throughout the day, students engaged in thought-provoking discussions and participated in workshops centred on innovation, vulnerability, and collaboration.
Inspiring keynote speakers encouraged participants to embrace change, lead with courage, and foster resilience in themselves and others.
Our captains returned with valuable insights and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to lead the Bentleigh community with creativity, compassion, and confidence in the year ahead.
Year 7 Science Excursion
The excursion provided students with the opportunity to observe a wide range of wildlife up close and engage in hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of biodiversity and the vital role conservation plays in protecting our natural world. The experience fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and a stronger connection with the environment.
We extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated teachers and staff who organised this enriching excursion, and to our students for their enthusiastic participation throughout the day.
OES Camp
This year’s Outdoor Education Surf Camp was particularly memorable, as it marked the final camp with long-standing staff member and much-loved Outdoor Education teacher, Mr Keane.
From mastering the surf to sharing stories around the campfire, Mr Keane has played a pivotal role in shaping the Outdoor Ed experience at Bentleigh Secondary College. His unwavering passion for adventure, dedication to teamwork, and ability to inspire students to challenge themselves have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege of learning from him.
We sincerely thank Mr Keane for his years of guidance, encouragement, and unforgettable memories. His legacy will continue to shape and inspire future Outdoor Education adventures for years to come.
Year 11 OES Surf Camp
Bentleigh Secondary College Leaders
NICK STAIKOS MEETS LEADERS
On Friday, 28 February, Bentleigh Secondary College welcomed local MP for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos, who had the opportunity to connect with our inspiring young leaders.
It was a fantastic discussion, highlighting their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to making a difference. We look forward to seeing the incredible initiatives they will lead throughout the year!
Breakfast Club
On every Tuesday and Thursday
Hosts: Mr Ryan and Ms Gardner
Time: 8:00 - 8:45am
Providing a healthy start to the day and is vital to learning.
Bentleigh Secondary College is part of the School Breakfast Clubs Program (SBCP). The Victorian Government has provided $58 million to the SBCP to provide healthy, nutritious food that helps sustain students during the school day. The program includes free breakfasts, lunches and holiday food supplies to students identified as requiring additional support.
This initiative is led by Mr Ryan, SRC Liaison Co-ordinator, Ms Gardner and our SRC students who provide free and healthy food to students ensuring all students have a healthy start to the day.
2025 College Tour
Experience firsthand the dynamic learning environment at Bentleigh Secondary College. Our state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programs, and welcoming community provide the ideal setting for students to thrive.
Book your tour today and discover what makes our college a great place to learn and grow.
Schedule your tour: BOOK HERE
We look forward to welcoming you!
2026 Gifted And Talented
Applications Due Date
Applications close at midnight Friday, 15 August 2025. Please use the following link to complete the application process and payment required to register your child Edutest - GAT URL Code.
Selection Test Date
The Bentleigh Secondary College Gifted and Talented Entrance test will be onsite Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at 9.00am – 12.00pm in the Year 7 Precinct.
Elevate Education
Our Year 11 cohort participated in an engaging and informative workshop facilitated by Elevate Education. The session focused on equipping students with practical strategies to manage their time effectively and adopt smarter study habits in preparation for their senior years.
Throughout the workshop, students explored key areas including:
Developing a balanced and sustainable study routine
Maximising productivity by working smarter, not harder
Harnessing the benefits of collaborative study through effective group work
Identifying and overcoming procrastination
We extend our sincere thanks to Elevate Education for delivering such a valuable session. Our students are now feeling empowered and ready to apply these skills in their academic journey.