LULUCEAT LUCEAT - BEACONHILLS COLLEGE
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Lu
SUMMER / 2021
Luceat Lucea
Lu
Luceat Luceat
THE MAGAZINE OF BEACONHILLS COLLEGE
2
CONTENTS
4 10 21
FROM THE HEADMASTER CHAPLAIN’S CORNER ROB DUNCAN PROFILE
It’s time for a reset and fresh start. May 2021 Beaconhills foundation student Rob
4-5 be a year of renewal for us all. Duncan has taken the helm at a new local
VCE RESULTS school. He shares his news.
Beaconhills students are celebrating 11
strong VCE results across a wide range STAFF PROFILE 22-23
of subjects, with 27 students achieving When Sam Watson accepted the position BEYOND BEACONHILLS
ATARs of 90 or more. of Berwick Campus Principal he could Discover some of the fascinating work
never have imagined what 2020 would of two of our alumni scientists – Kurt
6 bring - but he rose to the challenge. Peterson and Lauren Macreadie.
THE STATS
The breadth of subjects chosen by our 12-17 24
highest scoring students shows the TAKE THE LEAD VALE NEVILLE CLARK
freedom of choice at Beaconhills. The We profile some of our new student John McConchie reflects on the passing
choice for students to follow their interests leaders and they reveal their aspirations of fellow College founder and House
and build on their strengths. for 2021. patron Neville Clark and his significant
contributions to the school
7 18
TOP ATAR FOR SAM NEW ARTS AND SPORT COMPLEX 25
Sam Sail has recorded the highest The new Community Arts and Recreation FROM THE ARCHIVES/ALUMNI
ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) Centre is taking shape at the Berwick ASSOCIATION
possible – an impressive 99.95. Campus, with some amazing features. A flashback to the 1993 school fete and
Alumni Association news.
8-9 19
SHAPING THE FUTURE COLLEGE GOVERNANCE 26-27
The College has a number of exciting new The College Board has welcomed three WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
initiatives planned for 2021. Bring on the new directors. Catch up on all the latest Careers - and a very joyous wedding -
new school year! developments. feature in this issue of Lux Luceat.
L U X L U C E AT
TOP VCE ACHIEVERS 2020
4
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Allowing our students
to choose from a huge range
of subjects gives them real
ability to follow their passions.
Welcome to the first issue of Lux
Luceat magazine for 2021.
What a memorable way to finish 2020.
Some wonderful VCE results for our
students and a credit to all those
students, families and teaching staff
for their hard work, determination and
commitment to seeing through one of
our most challenging school years.
1. Sam Sail 2. Jaime Watts 3. Callum Pritchard
I would like to congratulate our College College Dux, Pakenham Dux, Berwick Dux, 98.25 Berwick, 98
Dux, Sam Sail, from the Pakenham 99.95
Campus, for his outstanding ATAR of
99.95, along with Berwick Campus
Dux, Jaime Watts, for achieving 98.25.
Each year we talk about the benefits
of choice in our VCE years. Allowing our
students to choose from a huge range
of subjects gives them real ability to
follow their passions and capitalise on
their strengths. The results speak
for themselves.
Thank you to everyone
in our community for the part they
played in supporting our students 5. Erin Schubert 6. Benjamin Coleman 7. William Peiris
Berwick, 97.4 Pakenham, 96.65 Pakenham, 96.3
through 2020.
Tony Sheumack
Headmaster
9. Sharnie Foot 10. Harleen Kaur 11. Jai Lewis
Berwick, 96.1 Berwick, 95.6 Pakenham, 95.5
L U X L U C E AT
5
VCE RESULTS
FEATURE
2020
Beaconhills College VCE The College has celebrated He said despite the
students have produced strong results across a wide challenges of COVID-19,
some spectacular 2020 range of subjects. Twenty- the exceptional work of
VCE results, including seven students achieved teachers in supporting
a perfect 99.95 ATAR ATARs of 90 or more, with students through months
(Australian Tertiary 12 students in the 95+ of remote learning – along
Admission Rank) for College category. with the resilience shown by
Dux, Sam Sail. students themselves – had
Headmaster Tony paid dividends.
Sam, our College Dux Sheumack said students
and Pakenham Campus from both campuses “I am extremely proud of
4. Sandy-Amick Wu
Berwick, 97.45
Dux, recorded perfect achieved 40s in all how our students have
scores of 50 in French and learning domains. risen above the difficulties
Mathematical Methods, These included English, of 2020 and shown the
47 for English and 44 for Mathematics, Visual tenacity and resilience to
Specialist Mathematics, and Performing Arts, achieve these results,” Mr
along with his 2019 score of Technologies, VCE Vet Sheumack said.
50 in Physics. Programs, Humanities,
Science, Digital
The Berwick Campus Dux Technologies, Health
was Jaime Watts with and Physical Education,
98.25. Jaime scored 42 Business and Economics,
in Theatre Studies and Languages and Extended
Psychology, 40 for Media, Investigation.
39 for French and 38 for
Literature, to add to her 48 “These results really
for Extended Investigation reinforce the benefits of our
8. Alex Aumann in 2019. open-entry, diverse College,
Berwick, 96.15 VOX POP
where students can follow
40+
their passions and succeed,” What are you
looking forward to
Mr Sheumack said.
in 2021?
What I am most
looking forward to in
2021 is being able
to help and support
Creese House. As
a Creese House
Captain, I’m excited
to take care and take
charge of House
events.
Nethumi,
Year 8, Berwick
Campus
12. Alicia Scalzo
Berwick, 95.05 in all learning domains
SUMMER 2021
6
VCE
STATS
The breadth of subjects chosen by 2020
our highest scoring students shows
2019
the freedom of choice at Beaconhills.
The choice for students to follow their
interests and build on their strengths.
SUBJECTS STUDIED BY STUDENTS WHO SCORED 95+
ACCOUNTING
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
ENGLISH
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
LITERATURE
EXTENDED INVESTIGATION
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
GEOGRAPHY
FRENCH
JAPANESE SECOND LANGUAGE
FURTHER MATHEMATICS
THEATRE STUDIES 4 MATHEMATICAL METHODS
SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS
THEATRE STUDIES
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE EXTENSION PROGRAMME IN PHYSICS
PHYSICS
PSYCHOLOGY
MEDIA
STUDIO ARTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
number of students
L U X L U C E AT
7
FEATURE
TOP ATAR
FOR SAM
With his 99.95 ATAR, studying maths subjects,
College Dux and Pakenham I think it was actually an
Campus Dux, Sam Sail advantage. COVID affected In 2019, his excellence in
joins an elite group of just
38 Victorian students who
us all in slightly different
ways, but it brought us all
French studies also earned
achieved the highest
rank possible.
together.” him the title of best overall
His advice to students Year 11 student in Victoria in
Sam had already
foreshadowed his academic
preparing for VCE is to
choose subjects they
the Alliance Française Berthe
excellence a year ago,
when he scored a perfect
enjoyed learning, rather
than base their choices
Mouchette Competition.
50 for VCE Physics. He’s on whether subjects were
now added two more 50s “easy or hard”.
in French and Mathematical
Methods, a 47 for English “It will mean you can put
and 44 for Specialist in more time and achieve
Mathematics. better results, while feeling
like it takes much less effort
In 2019, his excellence than it would for a subject
in French studies also that doesn’t genuinely
earned him the title of best interest you,” he said.
overall Year 11 student in
Victoria in the Alliance
Française Berthe Mouchette
Competition.
Last year he joined the
University of Melbourne
Extension Program to
study Physics once a week
after school. The program
allows students to extend
themselves in their most VOX POP
enjoyable subjects and
What are you
gain credit before starting
looking forward to
an undergraduate degree. in 2021?
This year he hopes to start
Returning to school
a Bachelor of Science at the
and having my best
university. friend in my class.
Leah,
Sam said while learning
Year 7, Pakenham
remotely during 2020 had Campus
its challenges, there were
also some positives: “For
SUMMER 2021
8
SHAPING
THE FUTURE
2020 challenged us all in unimaginable CROSS CAMPUS CLASSES
ways. But, now is time to look to the future One thing COVID taught us all is the power
– taking with us some valuable lessons we of Zoom! Three VCE subjects with small
learnt along the way. numbers of students at each campus will
now combine to run as a multicampus
How can our learning community best subject. The subjects will run similar to a COMMUNITY ACTION LEARNING (CAL)
maximise the exciting and challenging tertiary model - with lectures, tutorials and While CAL was already underway in
opportunities that await us in 2021 personalised learning time. They include 2020, this year students will see a number
8
and beyond? IT – Data Analytics, Music and Extended of service activities integrated into the
Investigation. program, along with a strong family
Beaconhills College is implementing a involvement in our service programs.
number of new learning initiatives for 2021, An example of CAL was Year 8 students
along with innovative plans for the use of completing a literacy unit based on bees.
all indoor and outdoor spaces across the They discovered Australia’s native bee
College. population was at risk, with a lack of places
for bees to live, so students built ‘bee hotels’
for the College gardens to help pollinate
plants. This is service to the environment..
COMMITMENTS
OUR EIGHT
L U X L U C E AT
9
FEATURE
How can our learning
community best maximise
the exciting and challenging
opportunities that await us in
2021 and beyond?
WELLBEING BEACON EXPLORERS SPACES WITH PURPOSE
Giving students the skills and opportunities COVID-19 delivered a hit to the College’s The College is working on a master plan
to build essential wellbeing capacities will global and outdoor education programs where every single square metre of space
continue to be a focus in 2021. in 2020, but by the end of the year the throughout the grounds will be used for a
team was delivering a variety of on-campus specific purpose. From active play areas
Programs such as the highly successful activities including bushwalking, setting to exercise stations, a supervised ropes
Resilience Project provide evidence-based up tents, science activities and an exciting course, natural bush areas and outdoor
strategies and activities to help students ‘silent crate climb’ challenge. classrooms, this innovative plan will have
improve their wellbeing. a strong focus on sustainability. The
A series of long-day outdoor education College has consulted with students to
Other 2021 programs will focus on nurturing programs were held at Gembrook’s Gilwell seek their suggestions.
mental health, strengthening physical health, Park for students in Years 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10,
growing connections, building resilience, along with children from Little Beacons, Classrooms will also get an overhaul with
supporting safety and diversity and were a massive success. improvements to acoustics, colour schemes
protecting the environment. and furniture, and move to decluttered
This year will see students out doing day spaces. There is even a plan to name
Topics of cyber safety, personal safety, trips and extended stays in bush settings with classrooms after inspiring academics, so get
positive relationships and health will be activities such as rogaining and abseiling. ready for the Einstein Room.
covered and students can take part in a Fingers crossed that international programs
range of groups throughout the year. will return sooner rather than later.
VOX POP
What are you
looking forward to
in 2021?
Doing better in sport
and spending more
time with my family.
Harrison, Year 7,
Pakenham Campus
SUMMER 2021
10
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
A TIME TO BE
RENEWED
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait upon the Lord will get What will you prioritise this year? God tells
new strength. They will rise up with wings us through the prophet Jeremiah that He
like eagles. They will run and not get tired. has plans to prosper us and not harm us.
They will walk and not become weak. Sometimes it’s hard to see God’s hand in
the things around us, but He is there none
Jeremiah 29:11 the less. Maybe you’ll keep the Zoom
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” catch-ups going with relatives and friends
says the Lord. “They are plans for good overseas or interstate. Or maybe you’ll
and not for disaster, to give you a future keep your fitness up.
and a hope.
Jesus said, ‘wherever your treasure is,
It’s a new year – thank God! We need one, your heart will be also’. As a community
after the events of 2020. I can’t remember based on compassion, integrity and
a time when I was so keen to see a respect, Beaconhills knows what that
year over and done with. Sadly, many treasure is – our people; our students,
in our community lost loved ones, work staff and families. This year will give us the
or security last year, which was indeed opportunity to care even more deeply for
a hard experience. Others have come each other and to teach our children to do
through with a renewed commitment to the same.
the important things in life – family, friends
and love for the community. May 2021 bring you peace and comfort
and, more importantly, be a year of
2021 is a fresh start for all of us. It gives us renewal for all of us.
an opportunity to say goodbye to 2020,
mourn the sad things, celebrate the good Revd Kathy Mildred
things, and start again. Senior Chaplain, Berwick Campus
L U X L U C E AT11
STAFF PROFILE
“What I found hard about
SAM the lockdown is that I’m
a people person, I love
meeting parents and talking
WATSON to the students, and I feel
that was torn away.”
BERWICK CAMPUS
PRINCIPAL VOX POP
What are you
looking forward to
in 2021?
I’m looking forward
Sam Watson admits to The COVID-19 pandemic perspective on education.
to being a House
a pang of guilt about his in his first year as Campus And what’s really important. Captain and helping
career choice. As the eldest Principal was certainly a trial others.
son of a farmer, he should by fire and challenging for “If every student leaves Bailey,
probably have followed in someone who is anything Beaconhills saying that Year 8, Berwick
his dad’s footsteps; farming but a “leather chair leader”. they felt valued and loved Campus
and working the land in the – that’s the culture I want to
Albury region. “What I found hard about instill,” he said.
the lockdown is that I’m a
However, a year working as people person,” he said. “I We suspect his dad is very
a gap student in England at love meeting parents and proud.
Parkside Preparatory School talking to the students, and I
in Cobham, Surrey sparked feel that was torn away.
a passion for teaching, and
he has never looked back. “But I did get to know what
each staff member really did
Mr Watson said the in the College and the huge
Parkside’s Head of Sport, influence they have on the
Ian Stamp, was a successful day to day running of a
cricketer and inspiring school. This year has taught
mentor: “He showed me me that we really have to
what you could do as focus on doing the basic
a PE teacher…it was a things right – if the kids and
phenomenal year.” staff can feel connected to
the community, then we can
Starting as a graduate get the best out of them.”
teacher at Beaconhills
13 years ago, Mr Watson Mr Watson has a genuine
has progressed from PE love for Beaconhills and
teacher to Head of House, says becoming a father
Head of Sport, Head of (he and his wife Ingrid now
Senior School and in 2020, have two boys, Henry and
Campus Principal. Alfred) has changed his
SUMMER 202112
WHAT SORT
OF LEADER WILL
YOU BE IN 2021?
PAKENHAM CAPTAINS
I aspire to always be an I would like to be more of To me a leader is an As a school captain for
approachable person the representative than individual that not only leads 2021, I hope to foster an
who anyone can have a the leader. The College or commands individuals, environment that prioritises
chat with, but also be that values we always use a group or an organisation, kindness and inclusivity in
‘bridge’ between students at Beaconhills: Integrity, but is rather an individual all areas of the community,
and teachers to help foster Compassion and Respect.. that inspires and motivates encouraging connections
a healthy relationship Those words might sound individuals among those among students, families
between all members of simple, but they’re also the around them. A leader, most and College staff. I
our community. I’m always unchanging truth. I have importantly, stimulates and acknowledge that we’ve
up for a chat and I’m very the belief that a leader empowers action among all had our fair share of
excited to lead our school shouldn’t force goals on those around them and hardships given the impact
into the new year through others but instead meet guides them to strive for of COVID-19, so I hope to
new opportunities and their eyes, listen and co- their best. Through my empower the Beaconhills
challenges. operate. A leader isn’t just position as a captain for community to support one
about leading, but also 2021, I will endeavour to another as we enter this
Aaron Sharpe about reading the people encourage my fellow pupils new year.
surrounding them. This is to be the best of themselves
the sort of leader I would and enable them to achieve Charlie Hondow
like to be. their full potential and
ultimately encourage them
Amisha Singh to let their light so shine.
Shubhneet Sodhi
L U X L U C E AT13
“I hope to foster an environment
that prioritises kindness and inclusivity
in all areas of the community.”
BERWICK CAPTAINS
In 2021, I aim to be a leader I am so excited to have the In 2021, I want to be an I hope that this year, I can
who is a strong connection opportunity to be one of approachable leader. I be a kind, strong and active
between the students and the 2021 College captains. want to be the person that leader in order to properly
staff to bring the school I aspire to be a leader anyone can come up to, to lead my peers by example.
community together. who is respectful to all my talk about anything. Whether I am looking forward to
I will be approachable peers, shows compassion, it’s schooling, friendship working together with staff
and trustworthy as well as empathy and integrity. I aim or home-related,. I want to and students alike and
a shoulder to lean on in to combat the challenges leave Beaconhills College representing the student
anyone’s time of need. As which we will face and be knowing I have made a body alongside Brooke,
a leader in 2021, I want to a source for reassurance difference to at least one Jack, and Emma to help
make a real difference. and understanding, other person, make 2021 a brilliant year.
while continuing to learn as well as to the school
Brooke Ellis and grow and unify our itself. Riley Thornton-Mackay
community.
Jack Stanton
Emma McRae
SUMMER 202114
TAKE THE
LEAD
“OUR STUDENTS WILL
BE THE LEADERS OF
TOMORROW AND SO IT
IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
TO PROVIDE THEM WITH
If any year showed the value of good,
strong leadership, it was 2020. We all look
to leaders locally, nationally and globally to
THE OPPORTUNITY
make the tough decisions in challenging
times. TO DEVELOP, TEST
Many Beaconhills students will become the
leaders of tomorrow. All students have the
AND REFINE THEIR
opportunity to develop their leadership skills
through classroom activities, Beaconhills LEADERSHIP SKILLS.”
Explorers camps and experiences and the
Co-Curricular Program. including the SEISA Leadership Camp – a
two-day program for senior students from
Pakenham Campus Principal Sarah Rudiger both campuses where they can develop
said students from both campuses could their leadership skills and network with
apply for leadership positions across all students from other schools.
year levels.
“Our students will be the leaders of
Student leaders had many different tomorrow and so it is our responsibility
opportunities to practise ‘servant leadership’ to provide them with the opportunity to
during their time at the College, she said. develop, test and refine their leadership VOX POP
skills,” Ms Rudiger said.
What are you
“Servant leadership moves away from looking forward to
traditional, hierarchical systems of in 2021?
leadership.
I am looking forward
to my duties as
“Rather, our leaders accept the need a House Captain
to serve the College community by and completing
contributing ideas, actions and the Certificate of
Excellence in Year 8.
modelling of expectations and guidance.”
Pahal, Year 8,
Students can participate in a number of Berwick Campus
leadership programs during the year,
L U X L U C E AT15
MANY BAXTER
WAYS SCORES A
TO BE A CAPTAINCY
LEADER TRIFECTA
Year 12 student Baxter Stickland has three
JUNIOR SCHOOL MIDDLE - SENIOR
captains’ roles this year; Citizenship and
Environmental Leader SCHOOL
Service, Light and Sound, and Leaver House
Cadet Leader
Faith and Social Captain.
Justice Captain Chapel Captain
Baxter probably understands more about
House Captain Choir Captain volunteering and fundraising than most
young people his age. But there is a special
Junior School Captain Dance Captain
reason why. Youth Council, which he said taught him a lot
Performing Arts Drama Captain about being a leader and helping the community.
Captain His dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone And he’s also on the Beaconhills College
Environmental Disease in 2015, hence why he volunteers Beacon of Hope Student Committee, a group
Sport Captain Captain each year at FightMND’s DIY Big Freeze of senior students who organise the College’s
Visual Arts Captain Faith and Social events, a charity he describes as “very close to citizenship and service programs.
Justice Captain his heart”.
With a keen interest in IT and performing arts,
French Captain For his Year 9 Personal Best project, he Baxter has also enjoyed being part of the Tech
organised and hosted a trivia night to raise Team helping out with the light and sound during
House Captain
funds for FightMND, raising more than $7000 productions. In his Light and Sound Captain’s
ICT Captain towards research for a cure. role, he will lead training of other students after
school once a week, teaching them about
International Captain Baxter said when his dad was diagnosed, he lighting, sound and multimedia consoles, as well
Japanese Captain was told he had less than two years to live. as the video camera, different microphones,
lights, screens and many other technological
Library Captain “Thankfully their prediction was wrong, since aspects of the Lois Maghanoy Centre for
he is still with us today, although still slowly Performing Arts.
Light and Sound
deteriorating,” said Baxter, adding that he
Captain
would love to see the Beaconhills community And then there’s his House Captain duties
Music Captain donate to the MND cause. at various House competitions, along with
student mentorship.
Performing Arts His service to the community saw Baxter
Captain become a finalist for the Cardinia Shire Sounds like a busy year ahead for Baxter.
Reconciliation Council’s 2018 Young Citizen of the Year
Captain Award. This year he was part of the Cardinia
YOU CAN DONATE TO FIGHT MND AT
School Captain FIGHTMND.ORG.AU
Science Captain
Sport Captain
This year he was part of the
Strings Captain
Cardinia Youth Council, which
Technology Captain
he said taught him a lot about
Visual Arts Captain
being a leader and helping
the community.16
I think a good sport captain
is someone who is fair and
honest – and lets everyone
VOX POP have a go
INTERNATIONAL SPORT CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN - FRENCH
I keep fit by dancing.
I like languages a lot and I I’ve been dancing for
am studying French (Units about 10 years and do
3 &4) this year, as well as big concerts at the end of
English, Maths Methods, every year (Olivia dances
Data Analytics and with Cathy-Lea Dance
Software Development. Works). I was very excited
when I found out I got
As International Captain, I Sport Captain.
will be helping out during
LOTE Week and helping My job is to help make
include international everyone participate in
students in activities sport. I think I will start
during the year. working on getting
people to join in some of
Ben Hetherington the sport not filled up for
Year 12, Pakenham the SEISA competitions. I
Campus think a good sport captain
is someone who is fair
and honest – and lets
everyone have a go.
Olivia Sutton
Year 8, Berwick Campus
...helping include
international students
in activities during
the year.17
INTERNATIONAL
CAPTAIN/HOUSE I want them to FEATURE
CAPTAIN
As Woods House
feel comfortable at
Captain, I will help out this
year with events like the
Beaconhills and be
Swimming Carnival and proud of choosing a
sports days.
language to study.
As International Captain,
I will be trying to help
international students feel
welcome. I want them
to feel comfortable at
VOX POP
Beaconhills and be proud
of choosing a language What are you
to study. looking forward to
in 2021?
Mavis Lee Hopefully a year
Year 12, Pakenham with less dramas
and more cheerful
Campus
thoughts.
Zarah,
Year 7, Pakenham
Campus
FAITH AND SOCIAL
JUSTICE CAPTAIN I am looking forward
Being the Faith and
Social Justice Captain
to being a good role
means I need to show model for other kids.
the College Values of
respect, integrity and
compassion. I will need
to help out when people
need me, especially
when they need caring
for and to feel included.
I will also need to
help organise jobs for
assemblies and chapel,
which is special. I think
being a good captain
means standing up for
people when they need a
friend and being a good
person. I am looking
forward to being a good
role model for other
kids.
Trent Dawson
Year 4, Berwick Campus
SUMMER 202118
FEATURE
NEW ARTS,
SPORTCOMPLEX FOR ALL
Work has started on Berwick Campus’ Built across three levels, it includes: “While the existing multipurpose building
new Community Arts and Recreation has served us well for 17 years, it was
Centre, due to open in 2022. • ground floor with two large gyms, never purpose-built,” Mr Sheumack said.
spin room and wellness room He said the new design would meet
The $12.2m development, including the needs of the College’s growing
$2m funded by the state government, • first floor sessional drama and two Performing Arts Program and provide a
will replace the existing multipurpose dance studios/classrooms range of spaces for community groups to
building, with the chapel temporarily hire.
relocated until a new chapel is built on • main auditorium with 640 fixed-seats,
the campus. black box studio, gallery/exhibition Founding Campus Principal, Jenny
space and large foyer area Williams said the old chapel had been
This exciting new development built on decommissioned, but valuable elements
campus – yet to be formally named – • second floor music classrooms, from the space were saved for inclusion
provides professional standard facilities tuition studios and instrument in the future new chapel.
for Beaconhills students and the wider storage.
community, including a much larger These include leadlights donated by
stage area, orchestra pit and fly tower Headmaster Tony Sheumack and Campus founding families and staff, a quilt created
for technical equipment such as lighting, Principal Sam Watson officially turned the in a project led by the first Head of Library
sound and props. ‘first sod’ on the construction site on Services, Clare Burford, and wood from
9 December ready for the deconstruction the pews which will be used in a feature
of the old building. wall or design. Also preserved are the
metal cross, collection plate and lectern
Mr Sheumack said the planned donated by graduating Year 12 students.
development was due to start in 2020 but
was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
L U X L U C E AT19
FEATURE
COLLEGE
GOVERNANCE
The College Board was further develop the Learning KIMBERLEY FLANAGAN LINCOLN WULFF MITCHELL ZADOW
very pleased to welcome That Matters framework Kimberley Flanagan is Founder and CEO of a Former College Vice-
three new Board directors in to provide more choice, a parent of two children construction firm with Captain and Clark House
at the Berwick Campus a passion for family, alumnus, graduating in
2020; Kimberley Flanagan, personalised learning, and
and is keen to put her philanthropy and 2000, Mitchell Zadow
Lincoln Wulff and Mitchell an impressive future-oriented skills as a management growing financial literacy went on to complete a
Zadow. We also welcomed education program. consultant in community in adults and youth, Bachelor of Laws and a
Honourary Board Chaplain, and social services to Lincoln is a parent of Bachelor of Arts at the
Revd Matthew Scheffer, while The Board has established work for the benefit of five students attending University of Melbourne.
Beaconhills. Pakenham Campus.
Jill Healey was reappointed a number of committees to Passionate about
for another three year term. support College governance. Passionate about Lincoln holds several creating opportunities
inclusion, gender existing governance for every student to
They bring skills in law, property These committees will work
equality, sustainability roles with local help them develop their
development, philanthropy, this year on key domains and the environment, companies. He has full potential, Mitchell
governance and community of the College governance Kimberley offers the a strong sense of seeks to use his skills
development. strategy including finance, College a combination community service, and experience as the
risk, community engagement, of extensive governance being most proud of Managing Principal of a
experience on the the work done for law practice and as an
The new directors complement board governance, property
boards of Outlook Monash Health, as Co- Accredited Commercial
the Board’s existing expertise and the new Beacon of Hope Victoria, Gippsland Founder and Co-Chair Law Specialist
in business, accounting, Foundation. South Health Services of the Dandelion Wishes (accredited by the Law
Christian ministry, governance and Youth Affairs Foundation. Institute of Victoria), to
and leadership, health The Board is always keen to Victoria, together with Offering a broad range serve the Beaconhills
qualifications including of skills and experience community.
and wellbeing and risk hear from community members
a Master in Public Policy, with qualifications
management, to name a few. interested in contributing to and as a graduate of the ranging from a Bachelor
the proud tradition of good Australian Institute of of Business and an
The Board has listened and governance at Beaconhills. Company Directors. Advanced Diploma
worked hard together to For details, email in Building and
support the College and its David.Young@beaconhills.vic. Construction to financial
planning.
community during 2020 and edu.au
have been so impressed by the or refer to the governance
courage and strength shown of section of the website.
our community as we all worked
through the various challenges Dr David Moseley
of this pandemic year. College Board Chairman
In 2021 and beyond, the Board
will work to ensure the College
remains in a strong position
and able to continue helping
students, families and staff to
recover from the disruptions
of 2020. We are impressed
and excited about innovation
and development work
occurring within the school to
SUMMER 202120
HAPPENINGS AROUND
FROM THE
OURHEADMASTER
COMMUNITY
ALUMNI I would like to congratulate
all of our VCE students on their
results for 2018.
VOX POP
What are you
looking forward to
in 2021?
I am looking forward
to being the best
role model I can
be for the younger
students.
Josh, Year 8,
Berwick Campus
L U X L U C E AT21
FEATURE
Q&A
pictured far right
WITH Who at Beaconhills College
influenced your decision to
What is your fondest memory of
Beaconhills, as a student?
FOUNDATION
become an educator? The friendships. I made some great
I was very fortunate to have some friends and we were all very close
fantastic teachers at Beaconhills. as a group. The camps, especially
STUDENT The originals - Frank and Joy
Millett, Dot Wiltshire, Debbie Mason
Central Australia in 1985. Andrew
Staindl, our College Maintenance
ROB DUNCAN
and David Curtis were amazing man who, like me, was a mad
in helping us settle into the new Demons fan. It was just such a great
school environment. The teachers community and Frank is largely
who had the biggest impact on responsible for that. His leadership
Beaconhills foundation student Rob Duncan is an me were probably Frank, who style filtered right through the whole
experienced educator. He has taught at Narre Warren was a great maths teacher - I had place and I am very fortunate to
South P-12 College for the past 16 years and served him fromYears 7 to 9 - and Rob have been a part of that early ride.
as Assistant Principal and Principal. This year he takes Leone was also outstanding. Colin
on an exciting new challenge, heading up the new Burns was a brilliant PE teacher Also, we understand Deanna
Cranbourne West Secondary School. and an even better bloke. I was Armstrong – another former BHC
incredibly fortunate to have Colin student – is going to be working
Parrish, David Munro, Jeannette at the new school? What role
Hillman and Alan Calaby as Year 12 does she have?
teachers. All outstanding teachers Deanna is our Wellbeing and
who displayed great passion for Inclusion Leader, a senior leadership
their subject areas and, in equal position in the school. She is an
doses, great passion to see their outstanding educator with great
students do well. But the biggest experience across a range of
influence I had was Garry Black. sectors from primary right through to
When I did teaching rounds some tertiary. I feel very fortunate indeed
years later Garry was my supervisor, that she applied for the position
along with John Waterhouse, and and equally fortunate that we get to
I never had more fun. His work on rekindle our friendship. It certainly
the Year 9 Program is the stuff of doesn’t feel as though it has been
legend and rightly so. He impacted 33 years since we were last at
so many students’ lives. school together.
What do you hope to achieve as
principal?
The true measure of the success
of any education is what you
actually do with it. I want all of our
students to achieve a positive post
school destination - further study,,
apprenticeship or full time work. I Left - Deanna
want our students to celebrate Armstrong and
Rob Duncan
diversity, promote inclusion and outside their new
aspire to personal excellence. school.
SUMMER 202122
BEYOND BEACONHILLS
KURT
PETERSON
Kurt Peterson (Class of 2009) Following his PhD, Kurt applied for a
Kurt Peterson graduated from Beaconhills
to study a Bachelor of Science Degree at
postdoctoral associate position at the
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St
Now Kurt is
Monash University. Originally, he was unsure Louis, USA, where the head of his lab is Dr working on the
of his future direction but, under the care
of a particularly inspiring lecturer, realised
Elizabeth Kellogg; an extremely successful
scientist and member of the prestigious evolutionary
that it was the evolution behind plants that
really fascinated him. Soon after making
American National Academy of Sciences.
Now Kurt is working on the evolutionary
ecology of
this discovery, Kurt started searching for ecology of grasses in Andropogoneae, grasses in
volunteer work to network into a lab or
company. He volunteered and worked
using a mix of bioinformatics, genetics, field
ecology, and taxonomy. Andropogoneae,
with Deakin University/Melbourne Water,
The Carbon Project at Monash University,
using a mix of
and finally, in Professor Martin Burd’s lab at bioinformatics,
Monash University.
genetics, field
After completing his bachelor, he continued
his work with Professor Burd while starting
ecology, and
his Honours degree. It was at this point that taxonomy.
Kurt’s talents were first really acknowledged.
He was awarded the Jim Willis Studentship
at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria. This
paid studentship gave him experience in
a taxonomic or systematics project at the
National Herbarium of Victoria.
After finishing his honours, Kurt was
awarded a Postgraduate Research
Scholarship by Monash University to help
him through his PhD, as well as receiving
funding from an Australian Research
Council Discovery Grant. His PhD explored
the evolutionary ecology of spores in
lycophytes. During this study, he did a short
course on phylogenetics (the study of
evolutionary relationships between species)
at the University of California, Davis, and
travelled around Australia, to Singapore,
and to Washington DC collecting data,
while presenting at various seminars and
conferences.
L U X L U C E AT23
ALUMNI
As a College, we seem to have
produced more that our fair share
of incredible scientists. Here we
LAUREN
highlight two of them, Kurt Peterson
and Lauren Macreadie.
MACREADIE
Lauren Macreadie (Class of 2005) help them gain broader recognition of their
Lauren Macreadie’s stellar career in
science continues to become more
career achievements. In 2020, Lauren
impressive as time goes by. In 2020 Lauren also received a Discovery also received
Lauren completed her bachelor’s
Early Career Researcher Award - only 10
of which were awarded across Australia a Discovery
degree at Monash University in 2010,
specialising in Biomedicine, Chemistry
in chemistry that year. This award will fund
her work in developing ultra-absorbent
Early Career
and Biotechnology. Her honours followed MOF composites as high performance Researcher Award
the next year with her academic focus
becoming more specialised. This study
materials, aiming to improve the absorption
properties of porous materials through - only 10 of which
evolved naturally into her own PhD
project in Materials Chemistry which she
enhancing their selectivity and also
creating new composites. The benefit
were awarded
completed at CSIRO, while working there of this research is in bridging the gap across Australia
as a research assistant. between porous material synthesis and
industrial application, contributing to in chemistry that
A year of teaching as a Postdoctoral
Research Fellow followed at the beautiful
Australia’s becoming a world leader in
clean energy research.
year.
Trinity College in Dublin, before Lauren
returned to CSIRO for more postdoctoral
research, this time specialising in the
design and synthesis of MOFs (Metal-
Organic Frameworks) with the particular
interest of implementing these materials
into medical devices. Further travel
beckoned with two opportunities in New
Zealand – working as a commercialisation
consultant and lecturing at Massey
University.
2020 – a year of struggle for most – saw
Lauren’s work recognised in a number of
incredible ways. Since July, she has been
based at the University of Sydney as a
Research Fellow and has received two
major awards.
The first was the Rita Conforth Lectureship.
This award, by the Royal Australian
Chemical Institute, is offered to an
outstanding female early-career chemist to
SUMMER 202124
ALUMNI
VALE
NEVILLE CLARK
In November 2020, the College lost one of its founders
and House patrons, Neville Clark, aged 86. Fellow founder
John McConchie reflects on his significant contributions.
I first met and knew Neville and Carole smiled and listened, then diligently attended that Beaconhills was a big talking point in their
Clark at St James Church Pakenham and to the task in hand. family daily life.
later through our shared times as part of the
Beaconhills Christian College fraternity. He was a wonderful support for me. Neville was part of our team that visited St.
Catherine’s School to arrange the collection
Carole and Neville have always been highly- One day not long before the portable of the portable classrooms that St. Catherine’s
regarded people in the Pakenham area. buildings were to be erected in December generously donated to our school.
1981, we received advice that a large quantity
Neville and Carole attended the early of soil fill was needed to build up the height Neville also assisted moving the portables
meetings of the school and Carole joined of the ground level. again some six months later, from the vacant
the Steering Committee on 5 February block next to St James Pakenham up to
1981. She continued on until 25 October The area was susceptible to flooding. Neville ‘Purdy’s Orchard’ in Upper Pakenham.
1983 when the College incorporated as a said to me that he may be able to obtain
Company Limited by Guarantee. Carole then enough “fill” to do the job. I think the area Neville was a humble man. He was a true
became a Board member and continued in that needed to be built up was about one gentleman and a highly-respected and
that role for many years. metre high. Neville said that he was working admired founder of Beaconhills College.
with the MMBW on some road works in
Neville was a pillar of support for many of us Pakenham and that he thought that maybe His light will continue to shine brightly. Thank
who were involved in the College. some “surplus” soil could be obtained. So he you Neville. God bless you mate.
said that he would look into it.
He was a gentle man, an honourable man,
a trustworthy man, a fine family man and A few days later many truckloads of clean
contributed massively to the establishment of soil fill arrived. 3500 cubic metres were
the College. delivered free of cost. No fuss, just quietly
arranged by Neville. He then proceeded to
Carole also, as is well known, was a vital spread and pack the additional soil with his
member of the College Steering Committee own excavator.
and Board of Directors.
Clark House represents and affirms the Clark
He also did an immense amount of ground
works around the College; the oval, the
Neville was a
family contribution to the College. first road into the College and around the pillar of support for
Neville was a thoughtful and generous
waterhole. He dug the feature waterhole.
many of us who
reliable worker and a man of action for and
around “all things Beaconhills.” He always
He would discuss many things with
tradespeople and help in any way to prepare
were involved in
our school for the Opening Day. I am sure the College.
L U X L U C E AT25
FROM THE ARCHIVES ALUMNI
SCHOOL
FETE 1993
ALUMNI
Bethany Thearle, one of out the back of the newly-
our staff alumni, remembers built Science building. The
the popular School Fete at teacher is Bev Connor. I
the Pakenham Campus in
the 80s and 90s.
am not sure why I look so
gleeful; she did not teach
me that year, but it was a
PONDERINGS
Much of what is now school very popular activity. Assuming that 2021 is as normal for 2021 is the creation of a
buildings was paddocks as anything can be in a post- Mentoring Program for current
in the 80s and early 90s. The School Fete in those pandemic universe, it promises students by volunteers from
There was ‘cow pat bingo’ days was a big event, to be a busy year for the alumni within the alumni community.
where classrooms now lie. a gathering of different community. As it was impossible Embracing some of the online
The cow paddock near members of the community, to host even one reunion event technologies that became
Pakenham and Syme roads not just the school itself. in 2020, there will be eight familiar to us all during the
was drawn up into grids Everyone would be there. separate events to look forward pandemic and featuring this
and you could ‘purchase’ a There were many things to to next year! initiative on the College’s
square in the hopes that the do, from a hovercraft on the website, we hope to create
cow would ‘deposit’ in that grass, to an art exhibition Term 1 will see all the four a proactive and mutually
square and you would win put on by the students, scheduled reunions for this beneficial relationship between
a prize. It was a simpler time to displays and activities year taking place, with the one, the present and past students of
back then. involving the College Sailing five, 10 and 20-year events all the College.
team and the Cadet Unit. occurring before March is over.
Another fundraising activity There was even a teacher Then later in the year, and more I will be making a shout out
was the opportunity to throw dunking stall this same spaced out, will come the same for volunteers soon, but if you
wet sponges at teachers. I year, another very popular four events but for the cohorts would like to get to the front
would have been in Year 8 activity. from one year on. So, this hectic of the queue, then send us an
when this photo was taken festival of events will start on email anytime:
Friday 12 February with the 20 alumni@beaconhills.vic.edu.au
(and a bit) Year Reunion for the
Class of 2000. Alan James
Community Relations
All reunions this year will be held Co-ordinator
at the Holm Park Recreational
Reserve in Beaconsfield. This
venue has a brand new function
management team and we very
much look forward to working
with them to create some
magical evenings.
As much as we enjoy looking
backwards at reunion events, it
is also exciting to look forward,
and one of the major initiatives
SUMMER 202126
WHERE ARE
THEY NOW?
1. Chelsea Gilbert 2. Stephanie Lehmann 3. James McPhie
After graduating in 2017, Class of 2009, is making her Class of 2008, works for
Chelsea took a gap year to mark in ANZ as their Contact Amazon as Head of Business
work and travel, which she Centre Manager for Retail Development and Education
said was a great experience. Banking. She was nominated for Australia. He has also
She’s now studying an Honours for the Auscontact Victorian founded and co-founded two
Degree of Geospatial Science State Hero Award in 2020. companies. Pure Planet is an
while working at Cardinia Shire This recognised her focus on environmentally-conscious
Council as their Geographic engaging a large workforce, business which manufactures
Information Systems Officer. As empowering her leaders to electronics and personal care
the GIS Officer, she integrates support their people each day items that have no plastic,
data into mapping applications by creating a 3pm moment of carbon or deforestation impact.
to analyze patterns and wellness, involving a stretch And VACAY seltzer, which
information. It is a very unique and dance for five minutes to produces a premium Australian
and interesting field to work reset the mind and body. spiked sparkling water and is
in as it is a mix of cartography, now one of the best-selling of
programming and analytical its type in Australia. It donates
skills. 10 per cent of its net profit to
cancer research.
L U X L U C E AT4. Caitlin Gifford
(Class of 2011) married Jarrad
Donders at a ceremony
at Stillwater at Crittenden
in Dromana on 9 January
2021. Four of Caitlin’s
six bridesmaids are also
Beaconhills alumni. Caitlin is a
current staff member.
SUMMER 2021PAKENHAM CAMPUS 30-34 Toomuc Valley Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810 BERWICK CAMPUS 92 Kangan Dr, Berwick VIC 3806 1300 002 225 enquiries@beaconhills.vic.edu.au www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au CRICOS Provider No. 03182J THE MAGAZINE OF BEACONHILLS COLLEGE
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