Students collect prestigious Premier’s Awards and have their VCE photography work selected for the TOPshots exhibition.
6-7
LAUNCH OF RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
More than 150 guests, including Wurundjeri Elder Murrundindi, attended the launch of the College’s fourth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
8 SOBERING LESSONS
Year 10 students gain some valuable insights into the impact of road trauma, thanks to an innovative prevention program run by The Alfred Hospital.
9
HOME ACROSS BORDERS
What is life really like in our boarding houses? Head of Boarding Natasha Rosky and boarding students explain.
10
LOOKING GLASS LEARNING
The Looking Glass Learning rooms at each of our Little Beacons centres not only help support children with individual or additional needs, they are an inclusive place for all children.
11
STAFF PROFILE
Meet Janeen Hicks, who this year took on the new role as the College’s Head of Inclusion.
12-13
SOUND TRAVELS
The inaugural Adelaide Music Tour was a resounding success.
14-19
BUILDING THE FUTURE
It’s out with the old and in with the new, as the College embarks on a series of building and grounds developments across both campuses.
Front cover: Winter (left) and Penny are busy getting creative in Little Beacons’ Looking Glass Program. See story on page 10.
Back cover: Year 7 Berwick Campus student Kianna performs at the June Winter Concert.
22-23
ALUMNI REUNIONS
Beaconhills College acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Bunurong –Boon Wurrung peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which our College is built.
The Class of 2020 gets together – and reunion dates for the remainder of 2025.
24-25
BREAKFAST SERIES
Two alumni who launched their own successful businesses share their stories at our second alumni Breakfast Series event at the Berwick Campus.
26 FROM THE ARCHIVES
Meet the College’s new Archivist Meaghan McKee, who has taken a shine to a treasured piece of Beaconhills history.
27
MALIK’S TREK OF A LIFETIME
Alum Malik Garrett has accompanied his dad on a gruelling European mountain trek, to raise money for a rare form of cancer.
28-29
LIFELONG LEARNER
Daniel Sandvik, Class of 2020, has achieved some extraordinary things in the short time since his graduation. He shares his story.
30 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Beaconhills alumni branch out into different career paths.
31
KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR AND GOVERNANCE NEWS
Welcome to another edition of Lux Luceat magazine, a publication for the entire College community which celebrates the life of our school.
School communities are unique in the way they bring families, students, staff, past staff and alumni together in the collective pursuit of an education that prepares our students for a life beyond school.
For our alumni, the College’s Breakfast Series events are an incredible opportunity for our current students and families to hear from those who have walked this path before them. Therefore, I highly recommend this initiative to our current families as a great way for our young people to see how people’s passions and interests at school extend into a career and adult life.
As we now move into the second half of the year, we have an opportunity to share with you some of the key planning for the future. Our learning environment continues to be a major focus at the Pakenham Campus as we support
the replacement of several buildings. The completion of the new Years 5 and 6 Centre will see the finalisation of our Middle School building upgrades. Future buildings will include the development of a new Visual Arts Centre at Pakenham as well as upgrades to our current sporting fields at Berwick. These facility upgrades go a long way to providing staff and students with fantastic learning spaces and new opportunities.
Of course, as we build our future learning spaces, our old ones are replaced. This year will see the decommissioning of our very first classrooms which, through the generosity of our founders, have provided such an important service to our school.
To our staff, students and families, thank you for the commitment you make to education and thank you for being part of our community.
Congratulations Little Beacons
Little Beacons Berwick Campus has just achieved the highest government rating possible, assessed as ‘exceeding’ in all seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard. It is the second time the centre has rated as ‘exceeding’ since it opened in 2020. Congratulations to our staff who worked tirelessly to achieve this outstanding rating.
Stephen McGinley Executive Principal
PREMIER'S AWARDS
Two of the College’s highachieving students have received a prestigious Premier’s Award for excellence in their VCE subjects.
2024 graduate Charlotte Moseley, Berwick Campus, was honoured for her perfect 50 in Media, while current Year 12 student and Berwick Captain Manuth Galabada Widanarachchige earned his award for a 50 in Mathematical Methods, which he completed in Year 11 (Manuth also scored a perfect 50 in Physics in Year 11).
The students attended the awards ceremony on 2 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where more than 1000 guests celebrated Victoria’s top-performing 2024 VCE students for their outstanding academic results.
Manuth’s Maths teacher Lynne Keefer and Charlotte’s Media teacher Deb Spilsbury both attended the event, along with Berwick Campus Principal Sam Watson and the students’ families.
Manuth said he was honoured to receive the award. He said achieving a perfect score in Maths was about “staying focused on the big picture”.
The students attended the awards ceremony on 2 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
“Always stay consistent and don't let little things put you down, like one bad SAC mark, or a silly arithmetic error,” is his advice to students.
Charlotte paid tribute to her teacher Deb Spilsbury, describing her as “one of the most thoughtful and considerate teachers I know”.
She recommended students picked the subjects they really enjoyed. This year Charlotte is studying architecture at Monash University.
Maxie Gerodias (Class of 2024, Berwick Campus) had her photographic work selected for TOPshots exhibition at the prestigious Museum of Australian Photography. (MAPh).
TOPshots is an annual exhibition dedicated to showcase exceptional photographic work of upcoming media artists.
RAP LAUNCH
Beaconhills College has successfully launched its fourth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at a special community event at the College on Thursday 24 April.
The RAP document outlines the College’s ongoing commitment and support in acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture and histories.
Beaconhills is committed to maintaining meaningful and ongoing relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and peoples recognised as the Traditional Owners.
Some of the key RAP commitments include:
• cultural competence for staff; giving staff opportunities to build on their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• celebrating and commemorating days/ weeks of national significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples, and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives when the College commemorates other national days, such as Australia Day and Anzac Day
• supporting staff to understand and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in the curriculum.
More than 150 guests including Wurundjeri Elder Murrundindi (pictured above)., Indigenous representatives, Beaconhills
Executive Principal Stephen McGinley, local VIPs and broader community members gathered to celebrate the spirit of reconciliation.
The night featured dance performances by the Djirri Djiiri dancers and College musicians. There were also First Nations stallholders with food samples with key Indigenous Australian ingredients.
College Board Chair Dr David Moseley thanked Elder Murrundindi, along with the College’s Head of Indigenous Initiatives, Birra (Lynette George, pictured below right).
“Tonight is a reminder of the journey we’re all on together – one of listening, learning, and walking alongside one another,” Dr Moseley said. “It’s a journey that renews our determination to create a more respectful, inclusive, reconciled future.”
The Beaconhills RAP document can be viewed on the College’s Acknowledgement page of its website
TONIGHT
IS A REMINDER OF THE JOURNEY WE’RE ALL ON TOGETHER – ONE OF LISTENING, LEARNING, AND WALKING ALONGSIDE ONE ANOTHER.”
SOBERING LESSONS
A prevention program run by The Alfred Hospital has given a group of Beaconhills Year 10 students a sobering insight into the impact of road trauma.
As part of their Personal Skills For Life elective, Pakenham Campus students have explored road safety and issues around alcohol and drug use.
In May they took part in the hospital’s P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program, an interactive injury awareness and prevention program.
Students hear from people like trauma surgeons, emergency service workers and trauma
survivors to gain an insight into the impact of road accidents on people’s lives.
For Year 10 student Kira, the experience was both confronting and deeply inspiring.
“Seeing first-hand the physical and emotional toll that traumatic injuries take on patients, families, and medical staff was a stark wake-up call,” Kira said.
She said listening to road trauma patients speak openly about their regrets, pain and recovery was an educational experience.
recognise how quickly a single moment of poor judgment, driving under the influence, not
wearing a seatbelt, or taking part in reckless behaviour can completely derail a life.”
Kira said she was very moved by the passion and dedication of staff at The Alfred, which demonstrated the true strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
She said overall the program was a powerful reminder of the fragility of life.
“I walked away with a new sense of responsibility, not just for my own safety, but for the impact my actions can have on others.”
P.A.R.T.Y. at The Alfred has delivered its message to more than 12,000 participants since its inception, including senior students, apprentices, parents and young offenders.
participants.
12,000
The Alfred has delivered its P.A.R.T.Y program to over 12,000
HOME ACROSS BORDERS
“My approach is to give young people the freedom to enjoy experiences like concerts or shopping in the CBD, while also setting boundaries to ensure they’re safe and supported.”
The word ‘boarding’ tends to conjure up images of English public schools with suet puddings and freezing corridors. However, the two Beaconhills boarding houses, located near the Pakenham Campus, bear little resemblance to that traditional image.
The modern, comfortable facilities are home away from home for girls and boys from Hong Kong, East Timor, Vietnam and Cambodia.
At the heart of our boarding program is Head of Boarding Natasha Rosky — an experienced educator who fosters a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. She has previously served as Head of Boarding in a co-educational setting, overseeing the wellbeing of more than 250 students. Ms Rosky has also held leadership roles in an all-boys boarding house of 80 students, residing onsite and contributing to the development of a strong boarding culture. Not surprisingly, she knows a thing or two about managing boarding houses.
“The most important thing that has been ingrained in me is that it’s all about trust,” Ms Rosky said. “My approach is to give young people the freedom to enjoy experiences like concerts or shopping in the CBD, while also setting boundaries to ensure they’re safe and supported.
Boarding life is communal and fun, with each student who celebrates a birthday
tasked with making a cake for the next person who has a birthday (they get to choose the flavour).
‘Duty Challenge’ is a hotly contested games-based event, where the winner is excused from all chores that night.
But Ms Rosky’s special stamp that she brings to boarding at Beaconhills is her academic lens, building on the established “amazing” pastoral program.
“I am now trying to build capacity around achievable academic results,” she said.
One simple structure Ms Rosky has introduced is 90 minutes of study time over at the Years 7 and 8 Centre two nights a week. She said using College classroom facilities helped bring a focus to study.
“Even on a subconscious level, students are shifting from home to a learning space,” she said.
Three boarders, all from Hong Kong, say they are enjoying everything that boarding life brings.
Nicole, Year 12, likes the regular excursions such as visits to an AFL game, Gumbuya World and Warburton’s Redwood Forest. She particularly loved the
chance to meet international students from other schools at last term’s Wesley College boarding social event.
Year 9 student Haylie joined her classmates this year for the first Summit to School outdoor experience, where the group hiked from Mt Baw Baw summit back to Beaconhills. Some of the activities included white-water rafting, mountain biking, Indigenous learning and campfire storytelling.
When students finally completed the final leg of the hike to school, Ms Rosky was there at the gate with parents to greet the tired students.
“One of the best things about boarding is being able to hang out with my friends every single day. As a new student here, I felt like I quickly adapted to the environment, thanks to my amazing friends I made in boarding,” said Haylie.
Year 12 Boarding Captain Aidan (pictured below) said boarding was more than just a place to stay, it was “where we belong and becomes our home in Australia”.
LOOKING GLASS LEARNING
When Little Beacons children enter the Looking Glass Learning environment at each of the centres, they know it is a place of calm.
While Looking Glass Learning – which supports children with individual or additional needs – has long been part of the Little Beacons philosophy, this year the program has expanded with the addition of dedicated spaces at Berwick and Pakenham campuses.
Rather than just a temporary breakout space for those identified children needing support, each space is part of the enhanced program that takes a more holistic approach to each child’s development.
All children from the Discovery groups (ages three to five) visit Looking Glass Learning during the week, and this term the younger groups will also join program for weekly visits.
“From an inclusion perspective, if it’s good for one child, then it is good for every child,” said Donna Eyles, Little Beacons Head of Teaching and Learning. “It focuses on the whole
group, not just identified children.”
Donna, along with Individual Programs co-ordinators
Deepti Barri and Jessica Appel, are already seeing the benefits, not just for the children, but in supporting educators in their teaching practice.
When children visit Looking Glass, they take off their shoes (as do their teachers) and then take a moment for some calm breathing exercises. The spaces are quiet and softly lit to avoid overstimulation.
Depending on their individual needs, children might work on social skills such as listening and sharing, or taking part in storytelling, arts and crafts, role-play and movement skills.
Little Beacons uses the Zones of Regulation, a cognitive behaviour approach, to help children consciously regulate their emotions and actions. Children learn to recognise their emotions by identifying which ‘zone’ they are in, represented by four different colours.
Ms Eyles said the program was about attuning to children, so they understand that the Looking Glass Learning is a safe place, and so that educators could meet each child’s needs, “no matter where they are at in their development”.
“From an inclusion perspective, if it’s good for one child, then it is good for every child,” said Donna Eyles, Little Beacons Head of Teaching and Learning. “It focuses on the whole group, not just identified children.”
JANEEN HICKS
Ms Hicks joined the College as a part-time ‘special education’ teacher at the Pakenham Campus Junior School in 2007, a role that evolved into Head of Individual Programs.
During her career, she has seen huge changes to the support systems in place for students with disability or learning diversity.
Many of us are old enough to remember the child who sat in the corner because they didn’t fit, as they found learning difficult
Thankfully our society has a growing awareness of learning diversity and inclusion, but Ms Hicks believes there are still many misconceptions about supporting students with disability.
“We need to think about learning diversity in the true sense; that is, learning diversity is about learning differences,” she said.
When it comes to inclusion in education, Ms Hicks said the old model tended towards targeted one-to-one support for students with disabilities, funded by state
or federal governments. That approach has now broadened, with the aim of supporting and empowering children across the board to reach their full potential.
“Inclusion is actually a really big word. It’s about access to all…and being part of a community.”
Ms Hicks said it was important to remember that all people learnt in different ways. As a consequence of learning diversity, the College must ensure it provides opportunities and adjustments to support young people to access many different ways of learning.
“Neurodiversity is the term we can use to discuss brain differences. The idea is that no brain is the same. Just because you are delivering the curriculum in one way, it doesn’t mean that it is taken up in the same way by every student.”
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18– 22 March) brings to light the brain differences people have and the broad range of abilities each person can offer, within their unique differences.
Janeen Hicks was appointed as the College’s new Head of Inclusion in 2025.
“Inclusion is about providing those opportunities to be included, whichever unique brain you bring.”
“As we support and understand learning and neurodiversity within our community, we provide an opportunity for our students to build independence. We want every student to achieve independence and have agency in their own learning journey.”
“Inclusion is actually a really big word. It’s about access to all… and being part of a community.”
S O U N D TRAVELS
A group of singers and musicians, along with five staff members, enjoyed a busy weekend schedule of exploring Adelaide and performing to appreciative audiences, as part of the College's first Adelaide Music Tour.
The students were based at the Nunyara Conference Centre in the Adelaide Hills, where they rehearsed and prepared for two performances.
On Sunday, the group played at The Lodge Retirement Village, bringing joy to the residents. The next day, they visited St Mary’s Memorial School in Glenelg. Students also had time to visit a farmers market in Adelaide and explore the city.
Year 6 Berwick Campus student Mia was thrilled to be part of the tour, to have the chance to perform, see Adelaide and “make new friends”.
“I LOVED SEEING PEOPLE EXCITED WHEN THEY HEARD US PLAYING SONGS THEY KNEW,” MIA SAID. “THE TRIP AMAZING AND WHEN WE THE OPPORTUNITY AGAIN, CERTAINLY WANT TO GO.”
STUDENTS
38
PEOPLE
GET HEARD THEY TRIP
WAS WE GET AGAIN, I WILL GO.”
“I loved seeing people get excited when they heard us playing songs they knew,” Mia said. “The trip was amazing and when we get the opportunity again, I will certainly want to go.”
Ashleigh, from Year 10 Pakenham Campus, said the tour was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Seeing the kids from the primary school have so much joy in their eyes made me realise how our talent for music is so much more than playing an instrument and reading music on a stand.”
Year 12 Berwick Campus student Sophia said while the tour was centred around
Thirty-eight students from both Berwick and Pakenham campuses joined the College’s first Adelaide Music Tour in May.
music, some of the most memorable moments came from outside the performances; playing team games at Nunyara, making friends, having a movie night, and exploring the South Australian Museum.
The College’s Head of Instrumental Music, Brad Kelley said the chance for students to play in public and in new venues was, musically, a “fabulous experience”.
He said it was wonderful to see the students’ excitement about spending time with like-minded players from the other campuses – along with the smiles on their faces when they received audience applause.
The next tour is planned for 2027.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
BUILDING THE FUTURE
IT’S OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW, AS THE COLLEGE
EMBARKS ON A SERIES OF MAJOR UPGRADES TO BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS AT EACH CAMPUS.
This term saw Years 5 and 6 students at the Pakenham Campus move into their new purposebuilt centre adjacent to the multipurpose courts. The $6.1m centre was built with a State Government contribution of $1m.
It has eight classrooms, a breakout area and large central multipurpose space, along with staff and meeting rooms.
Major demolition works on many of the campus’ original classrooms will get underway in September to make way for the next stage of the College’s current master plan; the development of a new Visual Arts Centre.
Classrooms which hosted the first assembly, and later used by Middle School, finance and administration will be fondly farewelled and replaced with
sustainable fit-for-purpose new buildings designed to meet the learning needs of current and future students.
While the original ‘quad’ will remain, the current Visual Arts building will be demolished as soon as the new Visual Arts Centre is completed, sometime in early 2027. Work on the new centre will start in December this year.
The contemporary new centre will be built alongside the throughroad on the western side of the new Years 7 and 8 Centre. It has a media room, theatrette, arts and craft areas and large gallery for displays and exhibitions.
Both Berwick and Pakenham campuses will also undergo hundreds of thousands of dollars in landscaping works. This includes upgrading of playing fields and surfaces,
a new multipurpose court complex at Berwick, new Years 7 and 8 basketball and four-square courts at Pakenham, along with shelters, BBQ and seating.
Business Manager David Young said the College Board of Directors had approved an ongoing improvement plan for the next two decades which outlines the future development vision for each campus.
“This involves the ongoing upgrade and replacement of buildings to ensure that the learning spaces are fit for purpose and continue to meet students’ learning needs,” Mr Young said.
“We also want to maintain as much open space as possible across the College keeping sustainability in mind.”
THE COLLEGE BOARD HAS APPROVED AN ONGOING IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE NEXT TWO DECADES WHICH OUTLINES THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT VISION FOR EACH CAMPUS.
Above: Pakenham's new Years 5 and 6 Centre, which opened at the start of term 3.
Left: Plans for the Visual Arts Centre.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
BARRAMUNDI… AND LETTUCE SPORTS FIELDS AT BERWICK
The new Food Technology Centre at the Pakenham Campus will have strong links to community service and food production when works start on site this year.
The large steel modules which will form the modern design are currently under construction with Harwyn Developments in Dandenong and will arrive at the College in September.
It will have its own commercial kitchen, kitchen classrooms and two dining areas. The centre will be built near the existing community garden and will also be the new home of the Beacon of Hope Centre.
The garden is now producing large quantities of fresh vegetables, which are used by the College but also cooked into meals which are donated to people experiencing food insecurity in our region.
Surplus produce also goes to The Salvation Army Pakenham or Follow Bless Collective.
Harwyn has also agreed to support the Beacon of Hope Foundation with a donation of $10,000 a year over two years for the Beacon Meals charity initiative.
Barramundi fish may be on the menu at Beaconhills thanks to an innovative new aquaponics food production system planned for the Pakenham Campus.
The system combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (growing plants in water), where nutrient-rich water will nourish hydroponically grown plants.
Danielle Gardiner, from the College’s maintenance team, said the closed-loop system has the capacity to produce 180-240 lettuces per cycle, with six grow beds and two 1100L fish tanks.
“The produce created and harvested from this system will provide the canteen and Beacon of Hope with fresh produce all year round,” Ms Gardiner said.
X21100LTANKS
Later this year is the start of extensive renovations to the main oval near Berwick’s Year 9 Centre, along with the construction of all-weather synthetic grass, multipurpose courts (similar to those at the Pakenham Campus) with lighting. The major upgrades will be completed by mid 2026, subject to seasonal conditions.
Mr Young said the entire development will be built sustainably, with underground water tanks used for retaining on the north side of the site, enabling run-off from the oval and courts to be recycled for irrigation.
Currently the College uses rainwater storage systems with a capacity of 897,600 litres across both campuses. There are three underground water tanks with 90,000 litre storage capacity at the Pakenham Campus’ Years 7 and 8 Centre.
897,
600
CLASSROOMS: THEN AND NOW GREEN REPORT
The old school classroom at the Pakenham Campus Junior School is not just a reminder of how buildings have changed, but how the needs of students have changed too.
The historic classroom, built in 1927, was the original school building from the Toomuc Valley State School. It was acquired by Beaconhills in 1996 and restored to its original state two years later.
Now used for out of school hours programs, the classroom has some quaint reminders of the bygone era of schooling; an old wooden desk and blackboard (who can forget the sound of fingernails scratched on that surface?).
100 years ago, the teacher would have stood firmly at the front of the class. Now the learning spaces are designed with collaboration, creativity and inclusivity in mind, with the teachers more likely to be found moving through classrooms as guides and mentors.
Dusty blackboards have made way for interactive whiteboards and technology at every student’s fingertips - hopefully fingertips no longer suffering from chilblains due to icy winters without heating.
The College’s latest Green Report details our environmental impact and the initiatives we have in place to keep reducing this impact.
Beaconhills continues to research and find ways to improve the sustainability of its buildings and facilities. This includes implementing new building design initiatives to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
For example, the Years 7 and 8 Centre at Pakenham has extra insulation for heating and cooling,
crossflow ventilation, smart lighting systems, water harvesting and several other enhancements such as a further 490 solar panels, bringing the total number of solar panels and both campuses to 3651.
Beaconhills’ electricity is now powered by 41.4 per cent solar.
You can read the Green Report on the publications page of our website (scan QR code above).
TWO CHOICES: FEAR OR LOVE
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
It has been said that “fear and love cannot coexist in the same thought”, not in the same moment, not even in the same breath. These two powerful emotions cannot occupy the same space at once. Love–especially God's love–has the ability to cast out fear, filling us instead with peace, courage, and warmth.
Marianne Williamson reflects: “Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is
the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back into our hearts.”
She reminds us that love is the core of who we are–and why we are here.
Many experts say that all emotions stem from either love or fear. Joy, peace, gratitude, and compassion all flow from love. On the other hand, anger, jealousy, self-doubt, and sadness often grow out of fear.
And so, in uncertain times, when fear feels loud and everpresent, we are called back to love.
When we allow love to shape our thoughts and actions,
something even deeper begins to unfold. Our lives become vessels for something greater than ourselves.
God longs to be made visible in this world through us – through our words, our kindness, and our presence. If we want to drive out fear–in our own hearts, in our homes, and in our hurting world–we must choose love, again and again.
Let love be our guide through this time of uncertainty. Let it be what we choose to carry, breathe, and share. And let love lead us in creating a better world for all.
Revd Peggy Kruse Senior Chaplain, Pakenham Campus
HAPPENINGS AROUND OUR COMMUNITY
ALUMNI
ALUMNI REUNION
CLASS OF 2020 –
5 YEAR REUNION,
30 MAY
UPCOMING REUNIONS
Friday 17 October
Class of 20241 Year Out
Friday 14 November
Class of 2015 –10 Year Reunion
To be confirmed Class of 1995 –30 Year Reunion
All reunions are held at Beaconsfield’s Middle Ground Café and Event Space. Keep an eye on the Beaconhills Alumni Facebook group for updates or email alumni@beaconhills.vic.edu.au
BREAKFAST GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS
BEACONHILLS HOSTED ITS SECOND BREAKFAST
SERIES EVENT FOR THE YEAR ON 23 MAY
FEATURING TWO ALUMNI WHO HAVE LAUNCHED THEIR OWN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES.
Berwick Campus Head of Commerce, Andreas Katsanos, chatted to guest speakers Cait Bransgrove (Class of 2013) and Dylan Norrington (Class of 2017) on a couch set on the stage of the Tony Sheumack Centre for Performing Arts, giving the event a relaxed ‘talk show’ vibe.
Cait is Director at financial services company Home of Inspire (Cait BransgroveHome of Inspire) and host of the popular finance podcast Craving a Saving. Dylan runs his own business
Norrington Media, offering high quality photography, videography and media services.
Both speakers gave the audience of students, families and staff their personal tips on starting a business and some of the lessons they learned along the way.
ALUMNI SPEAKERS SHARE THEIR BUSINESS TIPS
Cait launched her own business as a mortgage broker at just 23 years of age and bought her first home at 20. She reassured students that they were not alone if they were still undecided on a career path, and spoke of the importance of bringing your own passion to your job.
Dylan said the experience he gained working for the Tech Team at Beaconhills was invaluable. He also recommended making the most of every opportunity at Beaconhills - and to “say yes to everything”.
A successful strategy he found was to offer a free photo shoot to begin with and establish a good relationship with the client: “Make them love you so much that they will never go anywhere else!”
Third Breakfast Series event
This year’s final Breakfast Series event, with a theme of ‘community health and service’, is on Friday 22 August at the Pakenham Campus. Details on College socials.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
OLD BELL TO SHINE AGAIN
A TREASURED PIECE OF BEACONHILLS COLLEGE HISTORY
IS BEING RESTORED, THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF NEWLY APPOINTED COLLEGE
ARCHIVIST,
MEAGHAN MCKEE.
Since stepping into my role in February, I have embarked on several archival projects, with one task of particular significance; the refurbishment of the College’s original brass school bell.
Gifted to the school in February 1982 by local Water Board chairman Errol Robinson, the bell embodies a foundational chapter in the Beaconhills story. Mr Robinson, father-in-law to the College’s inaugural Business Administrator, Ted Fankhauser, presented the bell during the school's formative years. It was formally dedicated by Archbishop Sir Frank Woods at the Annual Church Service on 28 March 1982.
Although used for many years to ring in the start
and end of the school day, the bell mysteriously vanished for several years—only to recently resurface again. The bell has since been returned to the College Archives. I am now putting the bell through some meticulous cleaning and restoration, and plan to unveil it at the decommissioning ceremony of the College’s first building this September. The bell will then be on display for all visitors to see.
I believe the bell is a tangible connection to the College’s past. It’s more than an object, it is a symbol of the community spirit, resilience, and vision that shaped Beaconhills from the very beginning of the College.
Though it may no longer toll, the bell stands proudly as
a quiet sentinel of tradition and shared memory–a soundless but powerful echo of Beaconhills College.
I am very keen to talk to anyone with stories, memorabilia or photographs relevant to the history of the College. Please email or call me if you would like to help.
Email Meaghan.McKee@ beaconhills.vic.edu.au or phone (03) 5945 0224.
Meaghan McKee College Archivist
TREK OF A LIFETIME
Malik Garrett (Class of 2017) joined his dad Shannon on a most extraordinary alpine journey in July to raise funds to fight a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Although Shannon’s condition is grave, he was determined to tackle the ambitious challenge to hike Europe’s Tour du Mont Blanc with Malik and two lifelong friends Carl and Anita.
The 172km trek travels through the challenging terrain for the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.
Shannon is battling a cancer called DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma) also known as
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). DIPG/DMG are rare and extremely aggressive brain tumours arising in the brainstem.
While the tumours mostly affect children aged five to 10 years, Shannon was formally diagnosed with the cancer in 2023.
Repeated surgeries have caused significant nerve damage from the waist down and Malik said his dad would use an AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) on the hike to help stabilise his ankle.
Malik and Shannon spent months in a punishing training regime to prepare for their big challenge,
MALIK GARRETT’S EPIC JOURNEY ACROSS EUROPEAN ALPS – FOR BRAIN CANCER
SHANNON HAS SET AN AMBITIOUS GOAL TO RAISE $100,000 FOR THE CAUSE
DONATE HERE
including gym sessions five days a week.
“Dad and I always intended on doing the Kokoda Trail but the year we wanted to do it was when Covid hit,” Malik said.
“Then in 2021, we found that (his) tumour had grown.”
Incredibly, on his fundraising page, Shannon describes himself as “one of the lucky ones”.
“But for many children and their families, the reality is far more devastating,” he said.
In Malik’s eyes, his dad is nothing short of an inspiration.
“Anyone else in the family wouldn’t be able to do what he is doing. He’s incredible”.
Shannon has set an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 for the cause, with 100 per cent of funds going directly to the RUN DIPG charity. The money will support cutting-edge research into the disease, to help advance treatments, improve outcomes and hopefully – one day – find a cure.
* At the time of going to print, the group had successfully completed the hike.
LIFELONG LEARNER
I had tough early teenage years, having struggled with mental health and failing the selective entry school exam. When I transferred to Beaconhills in Year 9 (2017), this was a turning point, and I leveraged the opportunities to build a new identity, learn how to study, and form friendships that still last to this day.
My undying obsession for self-improvement led to a performing arts scholarship and the chance to accelerate both VCE Psychology and Biology in Year 10. Despite health setbacks in Year 11, I stayed determined, and in Year 12, remote learning during COVID-19 allowed me to thrive. I poured my energy into writing a nine-part symphony, which the school featured online. I also completed a seventh subject - VCE Extended Investigation (EI), where I wrote a thesis on digital education during the pandemic, surveying over 250 Beaconhills staff and students. This research was published in the magazine Agora and cited internationally, and the experience inspired me to pursue research instead of medicine. Graduating as Dux of Chemistry and Music Performance with an ATAR of 94.05, I earned a Biomedicine Discovery Scholarship at Monash University.
The skills and confidence I gained at Beaconhills shaped my undergraduate journey at Monash, where I co-founded the Biomed Orchestra, researched cancer at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, was hired to teach biophysics, medical biology, and molecular biology, and worked at the multinational biotech company Illumina researching pandemic preparedness.
My Honours and current PhD research both build on the passion I found in VCE EI, but now I connect stem cell transplants with nanotechnology and magnetic particle imaging to reverse previously incurable diseases. And since then, I’ve leveraged my teaching experience and started up a business to teach students how to write and research.
My advice: You do not owe it to anyone to live in the image of others. Use the time you have to do what you want. Continuously learning and connecting with others will keep you creative. Keep doing that, and eventually you will do something that earns more money, garners more respect, and becomes something to be cherished by humanity beyond your wildest dreams.
By Daniel Sandvik, Neuroscience PhD student (Class of 2020)
CONTINOUSLY LEARNING AND CONNECTING WITH OTHERS WILL KEEP YOU CREATIVE.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Christopher Dodson
Christopher Dodson (Class of 2005, Pakenham Campus) is now a chartered accountant who has run his own Officerbased accounting firm called D&A Professional Services for the past 12 years. He is also qualified as a mortgage broker and financial planner.
He has a second business which is an accounting app called HeroBlue. The app integrates with the well-known accounting software Xero to automate accounting transactions relating to equipment finance. Christopher also is the CFO and part shareholder for his father’s chemical manufacturing business.
In his ‘spare time’ – he and wife Marian have two children aged nine and six. Marian is originally from Venezuela, so Christopher is currently learning Spanish after 10 years of marriage.
Nichols
Ever since Year 10, Ella Nichols (Class of 2020, Pakenham Campus), knew she wanted to be a primary school teacher. At the start of this year, she graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours).
While studying, Ella worked in a primary school as an assistant and for a school holiday program. Now she is teaching a grade 1 class at a Cranbourne primary school - and loves it.
“When we were in careers class in Year 10 with Mr Porter, we discussed what career options we had and Beaconhills provided us with lots of resources and the opportunity for discussions about different career options,” Ella said.
She added that there were many teachers who inspired and supported her during school: “Now I am able to have the same positive influence on my students!”
Lauren Perfect
Lauren Perfect (nee Stewart – Class of 1998, Pakenham Campus) began a new appointment this year as Principal of Mentone Girls’ Grammar.
In Year 12 at Beaconhills, Lauren was the College’s first recipient of a VCE Top Class (Dance) invitation and also performed in the Top Acts Concert that year.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education (Monash University) and a Master of Education (University of Melbourne), with certification from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
A distinguished leader in education, she has gained extensive experience in senior management roles at independent schools during her career, including Haileybury and Ruyton Girls’ School.
In her new role at Mentone Girls’ Grammar, she is dedicated to empowering every student to achieve their potential and has a holistic educational philosophy that is grounded in wellbeing.
Ella
KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR
Berwick Campus teacher
Helen Comport was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Helen was recognised for her outstanding service to veterans and their families through her work with Quilts of Valour Australia (QOV), which she founded in the early 2010s.
Helen taught Maths and Science at Beaconhills from 2006 to 2021 and was known for her compassion and commitment to students. But it is her work beyond the classroom that has touched lives across the country.
QOV creates and awards handmade quilts to veterans, active service personnel, and the families of fallen heroes as a symbol of recognition for their service, sacrifice and courage.
Inspired by her son’s military service, Helen’s initiative has grown into a national movement, providing comfort to countless veterans and their families.
Despite receiving her award, Helen remains humble: “I didn’t really expect any recognition... I get my reward from being able to help others.”
GOVERNANCE NEWS
The Beaconhills College Board Annual General Meeting in May saw the appointment of new Board member Sunayana Tonks and the retirement of long-serving member John Lorimer.
Sunayana is a highly qualified Chief Risk Officer and Executive with broad experience in managing and advising on compliance and risk requirements for large global organisations. An expert in building, owning and leveraging effective regulator relationships, Sunayana is also a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Local business owner John Lorimer joined the Board in 2016. He has been involved in a number of local community organisations, including running the Pakenham Uniting Church youth club and serving on the Board of Casey Scouts.
John’s father, Richard Lorimer, was on the original steering committee when Beaconhills College was founded.
