As we reflect on the past ten weeks, I am incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and vibrant energy demonstrated by all members of our school community. Our campus has been alive with learning, collaboration, and celebration — from bustling classrooms and the library to the sporting fields and the ever-popular piazza.

Below are some key highlights and ongoing initiatives from Term 1:

Academic Growth

Our commitment to academic excellence continues to drive positive outcomes across all year levels. With a focus on curriculum enhancement and the introduction of new study resources, we’ve seen increased student engagement and performance.
We are proud to have maintained our Club 30 Mean Study Score, a reflection of the sustained effort and high expectations held across our school. In the coming weeks, we will also review and reflect on the latest NAPLAN data to guide any necessary academic interventions and support strategies.

Community Building

On Monday, 24 March 2025, our school community came together to celebrate Harmony Day with a joyful gathering in the piazza, complete with dancing and a sausage sizzle. Events like these foster a strong sense of connection, inclusion, and belonging among students and staff alike.

Student Support Services

This term, we have expanded our wellbeing and mental health services through a valuable partnership with Monash University. These enhanced supports ensure that all students can access the assistance they need to thrive — both academically and emotionally.

Sustainability Initiatives

Our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability continues to grow. This term we launched a new school-wide recycling program, established a student-led garden, and incorporated sustainable practices into daily routines.
The Green Machine also took the opportunity to meet with students from St Peter’s Primary School on 24 March to share ideas and strengthen our community partnerships.

Annual School Report

The 2024 Annual School Report was officially presented to the school community at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. This important document reflects our achievements over the past year and informs our ongoing strategic planning.

As Term 1 concludes, I would like to thank all students, staff, and families for their continued support and contributions. Together, we are building a school culture where excellence, wellbeing, and connection thrive.

Helene E. Hiotis
Principal

Bentleigh Secondary College proudly recognised International Women’s Day 2025, embracing this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” which underscores the urgency of advancing gender equality.

Bentleigh Secondary College had the pleasure of welcoming students from Tucker Road Primary School and Coatesville Primary School to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Throughout the day, students explored the remarkable contributions of women in science and enjoyed a powerful performance that highlighted themes of strength, equality, and empowerment.

It was a fantastic day of learning, collaboration, and celebration as we recognised the achievements of women who have shaped the world of science and beyond.

As a school community, we remain committed to challenging stereotypes, dismantling barriers, and fostering an environment where all individuals have access to equal opportunities. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the role we each play in promoting inclusivity, respect, and equity—both within our school and beyond.

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making the day so memorable.

Let us continue to take meaningful action, drive positive change, and work together towards a more inclusive and equitable future—today and every day.

Highlight Reel: IWD

We are proud to introduce our 2025 Bentleigh Secondary College Captains: Teagan, Alex, Will, and Tadhg.

The captains represent aspects of school life that involve extra responsibilities, in addition to their academic study commitments.

Tasks include:

• to work in a diplomatic role by representing the College both publicly and within the school
• to foster school spirit and traditions, by encouraging student participation in the range of extra -curricular activities within the College
• to be an effective role model for other students, by abiding with the College Code of Behaviour
• to liaise with the College administration ‑ Principals, Heads of Sub‑School and other Senior College leaders
• represent the college at the Public day service/s
• conduct proceedings at Whole School Assemblies in consultation with the College administration
• attend  and participate in School Council meetings
• liaise with the SRC coordinator and take a leading role in the SRC events
• Facilitate and conduct speeches at Graduation / Presentation nights

These outstanding leaders have been selected to lead with integrity, support their peers, and positively contribute to our school community.  So whether you have ideas to share, need a helping hand, or simply want a friendly chat, they are approachable, enthusiastic, and always willing to listen.

We look forward to the incredible impact they will make as leaders throughout 2025.

We are excited to launch Bentleigh Book Banter, a weekly feature where we spotlight the Bentleigh Secondary College community’s favourite reads. From timeless classics to modern gems, join us as we uncover top picks, hidden treasures, and plenty of bookish inspiration.

This Review: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Reviewed by Mr. Astorino

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a novel of raw emotion, searing passion, and enduring literary brilliance. Remarkably, it is the only novel Brontë ever wrote before her untimely death at the age of 30, yet it remains one of the most powerful works in English literature.

Set on the bleak, windswept Yorkshire Moors, Wuthering Heights tells the story of Heathcliff, a brooding, tormented antihero driven by obsessive love and fierce jealousy. His deep, complex bond with Catherine Earnshaw—spirited, wilful, and rebellious—forms the heart of a love story as turbulent and destructive as the moorland storms.

But Wuthering Heights is more than just a tale of tragic romance. It is a dark and insightful critique of class division, gender expectations, and patriarchal oppression. The stark contrasts between the Earnshaw and Linton families, and the physical and emotional landscapes they inhabit, reflect the rigid structures of Victorian society. Catherine’s choice to marry Edgar Linton for wealth and social security rather than follow her heart unleashes a chain of devastating events as Heathcliff seeks retribution.

Brontë’s prose is visceral, poetic, and deeply evocative. Her use of weather and landscape transforms domestic drama into near-Shakespearean tragedy. The non-linear narrative and Yorkshire dialect may challenge some readers, but the emotional depth and haunting beauty of the novel continue to captivate, even after multiple readings.

“He shall never know I love him: and that, not because he’s handsome, but because he’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made out of, his and mine are the same.”

Stay tuned for more standout reads from our passionate community of book lovers!

As part of their studies on the theme of Community, all Year 11 VCE VM students recently visited the Identity & Belonging exhibition at the Immigration Museum. The exhibition offered rich insights into how identity is shaped through migration, cultural heritage, and lived experiences.

Our students represented Bentleigh Secondary College with pride—demonstrating curiosity, respect, and deep engagement throughout the day. They asked thoughtful questions, reflected on complex ideas, and explored the powerful stories shared within the exhibit.

This excursion was more than just a learning experience; it was an opportunity to consider what it truly means to belong and how each of us plays a role in creating a diverse, inclusive, and connected society.

Well done to all involved for embracing the experience with such openness and maturity!

For more information: Immigration Museum Identity - Resources

Triumph in Round Robin Competition

Congratulations to our Senior Boys Basketball team, who emerged victorious in their recent Round Robin tournament! The team showcased outstanding skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the day, dominating the court and bringing home a well-deserved win.

A huge well done to all players for their impressive effort and sportsmanship—your hard work and dedication have made Bentleigh Secondary College proud!

Bentleigh Secondary College recently hosted an outstanding Career Expo, welcoming over 25 exhibitors—including representatives from all major Victorian universities and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), who shared insights into careers across the Army and Navy. The event provided students with valuable opportunities to engage directly with stallholders, ask questions, and gather resources aligned with their personal goals and future pathways.

Running alongside the Career Expo was our Middle School Subject Selection Expo, where students explored a wide range of subjects available in 2026. This interactive experience helped students feel informed and confident as they begin planning their educational journey.

A heartfelt thank you to all the exhibitors, staff, and families who made this event such a success. Your support continues to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

Click here to see the day: 2025 Career Expo

There are sporting heros among us, and one of them has been busy making history!

Mr. Dekker recently scored his first international goal, helping Sri Lanka secure an impressive 2–1 win over Laos in a FIFA international friendly. However that wasn’t the end of his journey—he returned to the field shortly after for Sri Lanka’s first AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Thailand in Bangkok.

We are incredibly proud of Mr. Dekker’s achievements on the international stage and can’t wait to see what’s next. Congratulations, Mr. Dekker!

Harmony Day is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Bentleigh Secondary College proudly celebrated Harmony Day with a vibrant lunchtime event that brought together students and staff in a spirit of unity and inclusion. Organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC), the celebration featured a sausage sizzle and multicultural music and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere of joy and connection.

At Bentleigh, we value and embrace cultural diversity, and Harmony Day serves as a meaningful reminder of our commitment to fostering respect, understanding, and a sense of belonging for all. More than just a celebration, the day reflects the inclusive values we uphold throughout our school community every day.

Some wore a splash of orange to show support!
See: Harmony Day Celebrations for a recap of the DAY!!




For more information click link:  Harmony Week Website
Click link for BSC details re: 2025 BSC Harmony Day

Our VCE Art Making and Exhibiting students enjoyed an enriching and memorable excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where they explored Top Arts 2025 and experienced the extraordinary world of celebrated contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.

As part of their visit, students delved into the intricacies of curating, designing, and conserving artworks, gaining valuable insight into the professional art world. A standout moment of the day was the immersive Kusama exhibition, filled with her iconic polka dots, infinity rooms, and vibrant installations. On the eve of the artist’s 96th birthday, her bold and boundary-pushing work served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of creativity.

Students also had the opportunity to view the visual diaries of Top Arts exhibitors, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process and the dedication involved in developing high-level creative work.

The experience left students inspired and eager to return to the studio, energised by new ideas and perspectives. We look forward to seeing how this visit influences their future artistic creations.

Congratulations to all Bentleigh Secondary College students who competed in the recent Kingston Swimming Carnival. Their determination, teamwork, and willingness to participate across a range of events were a testament to the Bentleigh spirit.

A special commendation goes to:
* Annabel for her outstanding victory in the 100m butterfly and to
* Zac for securing first place in diving
exceptional achievements that reflect dedication and athletic excellence.

We are incredibly proud of all students who represented the College, giving their best efforts both in the pool and on the diving board. Well done to the entire team on a fantastic day of competition.

Year 9 Food Studies students had the opportunity to get hands-on in the kitchen, creating their own delicious versions of the traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi.

From baking crispy baguettes to preparing fresh, flavourful fillings, students demonstrated impressive skills and creativity as they perfected this culinary classic.

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their practical cooking techniques while exploring the vibrant flavours of international cuisine.