Mayoral Visit

We have a group of students heading off on a 3-week trip to Japan in September to our sister city Izumiotsu, Osaka. Given Geelong shares the same partnership with the city we were fortunate to have a visit from the Mayor of Geelong Stretch Kontelj and Furuya Tokuro the Consul-General of Japan. This was a wonderful experience as both guests expressed the value in strengthening partnerships with countries and exchange programs such as this build on these very positively. Part of the morning involved sharing of gifts, Japanese conversations and speeches from our students, Mr Dawson and guests. Our students will take gifts to the Mayor of Izumiotsu in late September. Thanks to Ms Castle for initiating the conversation with the Mayoral office.

The Minister for Youth and CatholicCare

It is fair to say that we had a busy week with special guests. Following the Mayoral visit, we had a visit from Ella George MP, and the Minister for Youth Hon. Natalie Suleyman. This was due to the fantastic work Nestor Estampa had been doing with about 14 of our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students. These students had been exploring issues in their own context and considering real change. Part of the program was seen by Ella George and subsequently a visit from the Youth Minister was arranged. The students were given the opportunity to present to the Minister their views on priority areas for change and included issues relating to cultural differences and socialisation, as well as climate change issues. Once they presented their views, they were given some time to ask questions of the Minister including whether she worked when she was on holiday…(she does!). This was a tremendous opportunity for our students, and we greatly appreciate Nestor’s efforts to organise such an event, and we share our gratitude to the CatholicCare team for their engagement in the program.

Between both the Mayoral and Minister visits our students absolutely shone brightly, and we as a Principal team were hugely proud of their professional and respectful engagement with all guests.

Be Bold, Be Heard Forum #3

Leading the Change - Empowering Change for a Balanced Future

Bellarine Secondary College hosted the third Forum for 2025 and took to the task with awesome enthusiasm. This was evident from the beginning where the tables were decorated with fruit and vegetable sculptures made by the year 10 ceramics class (see below capsicums). We then got to see their program in action, visiting the vegetable gardens and animal enclosures, whilst getting to put colour in, and plait, the horses' manes.

This forum explored how to implement bold policies, overcome setbacks, and build mindsets that drive sustainable and long-lasting change from classroom to the community, that supports closing the gender gap and ensuring all voices are heard in shaping the future.

The messages from the speakers were as follows:

Claire Riley:

After a 6-month waiting period following unusually not being able to keep her Birkenstocks on, she was diagnosed with MS. She had a 1-year-old child at the time and has found herself on a pathway to do what she needed to do. She will ‘roll’ 1000km in her wheelchair to raise money. In terms of leadership, follow your gut and be innovative was her advice to our girls.

Lyndie Freestone

Has a passion for supporting young people at high risk and disadvantage as she was aware of what it was like to be in these situations. She recalled having a mentor who believed in her, and this paved the way for her to help others. By being an at-risk youth herself, Lyndie has found the experience mutually beneficial, as they look out for her as she looks out for them. As a result of her voluntary efforts, she has gained numerous awards along the journey.

Cassie Lindsey

Cassie discussed the inequalities she observed and experienced and has approached these as opportunities for change. She reflected on her daughter being told that someone would carry her golf bag for her whilst she played, and the boys looked after their own. She said that ‘leaders create a ripple effect’ and should be aware of the potential for significant change following small actions.

Amy Gardner

Amy was a finalist in the tourism awards for her program that gave elderly travellers an opportunity to explore Melbourne. She provided a great insight into seeing need and going for it to make change and a difference.

Preparing for 2026:

Mobile Phones, Social Media, and Supporting Our Students

As we approach the implementation of new mobile phone and social media laws in Victorian schools from 2026, it's an important time for families to consider how best to support students in navigating these changes. The upcoming legislation aims to reduce the impact of social media on students’ wellbeing and learning.

One practical step gaining traction among schools and families is the introduction of non-smart phones—devices that allow calls and texts but do not connect to the internet or social media. These phones provide a way for students to stay in touch with their families while avoiding the distractions and pressures associated with social media platforms.

Recently, Iona College encouraged parents to consider non-smart phones, with strong support from students who welcomed the shift as a way to feel more present, focused, and connected in real life.

This is a unique opportunity for us, as a community of parents, to work together in supporting healthier phone habits for our children. A collective move toward non-smart phones can ease peer pressure, reduce digital distractions, and foster stronger social interactions both inside and outside the classroom.

We encourage all families to start the conversation at home and consider the potential of non-smart phones as we prepare for this important change.

Professional Planning and Curriculum Days

Tuesday 12th August and Thursday 28th August saw teachers have their Professional Practice Day and Curriculum Planning Day respectively. These days are dedicated for teachers to proactively plan and organise their lessons, mark student work and collaborate with other teams of teachers to provide the best possible education for our students. The Curriculum Day will focus more on whole school goals, this year being best practice on utilising Education Support in classes and also aligning our learning areas with the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0 that has been introduced in 2025. Learning area teams will work collaboratively and continue to create and document consistent curriculum and approaches to teaching.