Principal's Story
Published by Beenleigh State High SchoolWelcome back for term 3 as this is our first newsletter. I enjoyed my holiday and I was lucky enough to spend time with my family. Reports went out before the break and thank you to all who attended the Parent Teacher evening last week.
As you are aware, our new building, “Bookinburra” is open to students. Bookinburra is the Yugambeh name for Mt. Stapylton. Bookinburra was a traditional and ancient signpost for the Yugambeh people and our school is nestled in its shadow. The school commissioned Don Waters to paint a piece of art entitled “Semper Altiora” which now hangs in Bookinburra. Please have a look at our Facebook page to follow Don as he constructs this significant piece.
Mrs Harvey and Ms Te Iwimate were fortunate enough to visit Changzhou in China with four of our students during the break. The students were outstanding ambassadors for both the school and our community. We thank Dr Jennifer Cronin –1976 School Captain and President of the Wharf Group Hotels, and team Marco Polo along with Mr. Bernard Teo - the General Manager of Marco Polo Changzhou for the tremendous experience they provided for our staff and students. Mr Bartlett also took two students to work in the hospitality industry in Newcastle at the Customs House Hotel during the break. We also thank Mick and Kym Starky for providing this excellent opportunity for our students.
Just before the break it was announced that we won the Regional Showcase Award with our Paddock 2 Plate submission and it was forwarded to the State Final Judging Panel where we were successful in going through to the state final. Operation commando was also recognised as a Showcase Regional winner as a great program helping to re-engage young men into their schooling and I thank our staff for their excellent support of wonderful programs.
There has been a number of great performances by our school community lately. These include:
- Excellent results from the Eisteddfod in music and dance!
- Our four Hospitality students arriving back from work experience in China and talking on 612 ABC Mornings about the experience
- Lorenz Sorensen-Erahmia making the Qld Under 12 Rugby League Team.
All students represented the school well and I again thank the teachers who provided these opportunities.
The P and C are again running our 5th Annual “Paddock to Plate” luncheon at the school on the 31st August in the Multi. The lunch will showcase our school's – Production, Preparation, Presentation and Performance to showcase the many and varied skills of our school community. Our Partners in this project are listed on the advertisement inside. I am happy to announce the event is a sell out! Well done P and C.
The school is currently completing the School Opinion Surveys (SOS). The SOS asks a range of questions about the school to parents, students, and staff. Thank you to those families who completed an SOS. The information from the surveys is returned in late October and I will share it with the school community at that time.
Finally, Year 12 students are reminded to finalise their accounts so they can participate in the end of year formals etc. I have spoken to a number of students recently and advised them that fees have to be paid and now is the time to sort this out. Please see me if there are any issues around this.
Regards,
Matt O'Hanlon
Principal
2nd August 2019