Bayside Gazette - 28 February 2025

Principal Report

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all new families who have joined the Brisbane Bayside State College community in 2025 and a welcome back to all those who have returned. I am delighted to be back and am looking forward to a positive and productive year in 2025.

The start of 2025 saw us celebrate the wonderful achievements of 2024 with our Annual Awards Night.  It was so pleasing to acknowledge those students whose hard work throughout 2024 saw them achieve excellent academic outcomes.  It was also lovely to see so many of our Year 12s back to receive a range of recognition and hear the stories of their plans for 2025.

The start of 2025 has been positive with the roll out of our Strong Start, Strong Finish expectations for every class, every lesson, every day.  Having students prepared and calm for class ensure that learning is the focus until the very end of the lesson.  I would encourage you to talk with your students about how they are making sure they a prepared for class each day.

Our new year 7 students have settled into high school life quickly with the support of our peer supporters.  Staff from our feeder primary schools have been visiting to see the success of their students in transitioning to high school and their visits have been akin to pop stars!  Year 7 camp was a great success with students challenging themselves and learning more about each other as they participated in exciting activities.

A number of key highlights for me at the start of this year:

• The commencement of our connection with the Making Waves Foundation. The Winds of Change program is a weekly sailing group that supports the development of resilience and teamwork.  Our term 1 crew have challenged themselves in all sort of weather and are captaining the yacht safely and confidently after only 4 weeks.  The Winds of Joy program offers sailing experiences for students and the smiles on the faces of the students and staff when they return have been heartwarming.
• The Traction program offers First Nations students the opportunity to work alongside local mentors while developing their problem solving and group work skills to restore BMX bikes. I’m looking forward to seeing the final bikes in the coming weeks.
• Signing Memorandums of Understanding with the Building and Construction Gateway to Industry Skills Program and the Health Gateway Program which will provide direct connection to industry opportunities for our students to learn and engage with a wide range of opportunities in these fields.
• The best swimming carnival I have ever attended! The wonderful participation of students in their house colours, staff dancing on the side of the pool and the friendly competition with so many students having the opportunity to swim for their house was a fabulous day of connection and celebration.

Along with my continued leadership in 2025, we have a number of new and returning staff to welcome to the BBSC community. BBSC welcomed Andrea Stanley, Chantel van Schalkwyk, Duncan Campbell, Emma Rome, Estee Lee, Kristina McColm, Leigharna Bell, Maria Clarkson, Michaela Douglas, Natalie McClatchey, Nicole O'Brien, Rebecca Perkins, Rudge Salmon, Susan Virtue and Vickie McCabe.

As always, we encourage you to reach out to your student’s teachers with any questions. Key in supporting our students are our Year Level Coordinators and Deputy Principals. This year these staff are:
 

This year sees the end of the current four-year Strategic Plan Cycle with a School Review scheduled for Term 2.  I’m looking forward to welcoming the Review Team into our fantastic school and working with our school community to plan the next 4-year strategic plan.

Here’s to a fantastic 2025 at Brisbane Bayside State College!

Kind Regards,

Catherine McCarthy
Principal

Teaching Staff Contacts

Student Services (Absence, late arrivals and early departures)
Phone: (07) 3893 5333 - Option 1
Email: studentservices@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au 

Administration - 
Phone: (07) 3893 5333
Email: admin@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au

Canteen -
Phone: (07) 3893 5356 
Email: canteen@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au

Uniform Shop -
Phone: (07) 3893 5358
Email: uniformshop@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au 

Year Level Coordinator News

As we embark on another exciting school year at Brisbane Bayside State College, we hope that both new and returning families are settling in and ready to embrace the opportunities that 2025 has to offer.

We are thrilled to welcome Miss Victoria Wells to the Year Level Coordinator role this year, and we look forward to her contributions to our school community!

Be A Learner

Be Prepared:

A gentle reminder for all students to ensure their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is fully charged and ready for each school day. If there are any issues, please reach out to your student’s Connect teacher or Year Level Coordinator (YLC) for assistance. Year 7 and Year 9 students will soon be completing their NAPLAN tests, so it’s crucial that they have their laptops and wired headphones in working order, please note that earbuds are not permitted during the test.

Be Responsible

Being Punctual:

At the start of the year, we are placing a strong emphasis on student attendance and punctuality. We encourage all students to arrive at school and classes on time, minimizing time spent outside of lessons. To help with hydration and focus, please ensure your student brings a water bottle to school each day.

Contribute to Community

Uniform:

All students are expected to adhere to the P & C approved dress code. This includes wearing black leather shoes with the dress uniform on Wednesdays and predominantly white or black sport sneakers/joggers with the sport/everyday uniform. Please remember that Converse and Vans are not part of the approved uniform. Only white socks are permitted at Brisbane Bayside State College.

Additionally, we would like to remind everyone about our jewellery policy: students may wear a watch and up to two small studs or sleepers per ear, however no bracelets, bands, or rings. Facial piercings must be clear, plastic, and inconspicuous, and any necklaces should be tucked away under shirts or blouses. Makeup, false nails, eyelashes, and fingernail polish are not part of the school uniform. If there are any concerns regarding cultural or religious jewellery, please discuss them with the relevant Year Level Deputy Principal. Students needing support with uniform issues can see their YLC in O209.

Strong Start/Strong Finish

This year, we are excited to introduce the BBSC Strong Start/Strong Finish classroom framework. This initiative clarifies entry and exit procedures for all classes, ensuring consistency across the school and fostering a positive school culture. We have been impressed with how students have embraced these processes, which promote a more organised and harmonious classroom experience. Here’s how students can achieve a strong start and finish:

• Ready Check - Have all equipment ready
• Line Up - In 2 lines outside the classroom
• Warm Welcome - Greet teacher
• Quick starter - Complete quickly and quietly 
• Exit Ticket - Complete quickly and quietly 
• Future Tasks - Record them
• Tidy Up - Tidy classroom
• Dismissal Prep - Stand behind desks quietly

Show Respect

In the playground:

Students have been settling back into their break time spaces, and we appreciate the Year 8s for finding new areas to gather as they transition from the Year 7 area under O Block. A special thank you to Mr. Briggs and the Year 10 Peer Support students for supporting our Year 7s during their transition to high school. The new Year 12s have moved to the WiraWira Café seating area, providing them with a space to socialize and study together during breaks.

Our school community is dedicated to providing a variety of activities outside the usual curriculum, including sports training, chess club, eco marines, gardening club, tutorials, and much more. For more information, please visit the BBSC school website.

Recent/Upcoming Activities:

Year 7 Camp

This week, our Year 7 students had a blast at their camp which was held at Kindillan, Redland Bay! From the moment they arrived, the energy has been palpable, and the smiles have been contagious. 

Throughout the week, our students have engaged in a variety of thrilling activities designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and a love for the great outdoors. Here’s a glimpse of what they’ve been up to:

• Team-Building Challenges.
• Canoeing Adventures
• Abseiling
• Zip Line Thrills

We can’t wait to hear all about their adventures when they return! Thank you for your continued support in making this camp a success.

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Year 12 begin their final year!

Our Year 12 students kicked off their last year with a casual meet-up at WiraWira Café, celebrating their “last first day.” They enjoyed dressing up for the Swimming Carnival, and the first round of Year 12 Jersey orders has arrived! These jerseys can be worn as part of the school uniform, replacing the usual school jumper. It’s going to be an exciting yet demanding year, so please encourage your student to check in with their teachers, YLC, or Admin for support regarding their Year 12 pathway.

Events coming up:

• Summer Senior Gala Day (Year 11 and 12) – Wednesday Week 7
• Year 12 vs Staff – Bench Ball - Week 10
• BBSC Cross Country Carnival – Friday Week 10
• BBSC Athletics Carnival – Term 2 Week 8

If you would like to get in touch with your Year Level Coordinator:

NAPLAN

The national NAPLAN test for Year 7 and 9 students is in March 2025.

Scheduled Naplan Sessions occur between Wednesday, 12^th to Friday, 14^th March

Student Responsibility

1. Download the 2025 “NAPLAN LOCKDOWN BROWSER”.
2. Know when your PRACTICE and SCHEDULED NAPLAN TESTS ARE.
3. Have your computer charged for the PRACTICE and SCHEDULED NAPLAN TESTS.
4. Bring headphones to plug into your computer (No wireless No air pods permitted).

BBSC 2025 NAPLAN TESTING SCHEDULE

Students away will have “Catch Up” sessions the following week.

In preparation students will participate in a practice sessions to check the LOCKDOWN Browser App, our technical load and the practice NAPLAN process and functionalities.

Practice Test will occur Year 9; Wednesday 26^th February Session 2
                                         Year 7; Wednesday 5^th March Session 4

All students are encouraged to participate. Families who are wishing to withdraw need to contact the office requesting a withdrawal form at admin@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au.  

These are to be submitted to the office by Friday the 7^th of March. Supervision will be arrange for students not involved. Please do not keep your child home as they will miss their other timetabled classes.

Students who are eligible for NAPLAN adjustments/support will have their Case Manager contact home regarding these support provisions.

Students are to ensure that the NAPLAN 2025 Lockdown Browser is installed on their computer.  
If you have parental controls regarding downloads, please be aware that you will need to do this download at home with your child.

Go to NAPLAN online; https://www.assessform.edu.au/naplan-online/locked-down-browser

Kind Regards

Ms Lauretta Dowling
NAPLAN Coordinator/ Deputy Principal

Student Services - Absences, Late Arrivals and Early Departure

Absence Procedure: 

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, we kindly ask that you inform us if your child will be absent from school. Keeping us in the loop helps us maintain accurate attendance records.

How to Report an Absence
You can easily notify us of your child’s absence using any one of the following convenient options:

• Text: Send a quick message to 0438 352 365
• Call: Reach us at 07 3893 5304 or 07 3893 5333 (Option 1)
• Email: studentservices@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au
• QParents: Use the QParents app for a seamless reporting experience

Leave Pass Procedure: 

We understand that life can get busy, and sometimes you need to pick up your student early from school for an appointment. To ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved, we’d like to remind you of our Leave Pass Procedure!

Why It Matters
To keep things running smoothly, we kindly ask that you avoid coming to the office without prior arrangements. Instead, start your day by reaching out to our Student Services (SSR) team in the morning to organise a leave pass for your student. This small step helps us ensure that your child is ready to go.

How to Arrange a Leave Pass
There are four easy ways to secure a leave pass for your student:

1. Contact Us in the Morning by Text message or Call: Reach out to our SSR team early in the day to arrange a leave pass. This way, we can prepare everything in advance for a quick and easy pick-up.
2. Written Note: Alternatively, you can write a note detailing the reason for your student’s early departure. Your child can hand this note to the SSR team first thing in the morning.
3. Email: studentservices@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au 
   
4. QPARENTS: Use the QParents app. 

The Process
Once the leave pass is arranged, your student simply needs to pick it up from SSR. When it’s time to leave, they can show their leave pass to their teacher and exit class without any hassle!

We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our SSR team through any of the following convenient methods:

• Text: Send a quick message to 0438 352 365
• Call: Reach us at 07 3893 5304 or 07 3893 5333 (Option 1)
• Email: studentservices@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au
• QParents: Use the QParents app for a seamless reporting experience. 

Please remember, you can leave a voicemail on our direct line, and our team will process your leave pass request promptly.

Sick Bay Procedure: 

If your child is feeling unwell during school time, they should present to Sick Bay in Student Services. Our dedicated team will assess their condition and, if necessary, contact you to arrange for a pick-up. This process helps us ensure that your child is comfortable and receives the appropriate care as soon as possible.

What to Expect

1. Students are to visit Student Services: If your child is feeling sick, they should head to Student Services right away.
   
2. Contact Home: If your child needs to go home, we will reach out to you to arrange a pick-up.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep everything running smoothly! Your support truly makes a difference in our school community.

2024 Annual Academic Awards Ceremony

We are thrilled to share the highlights from our 2024 Annual Academic Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday, 11 February! It was an unforgettable evening filled with joy, pride, and a strong sense of community as we came together to honor the remarkable academic achievements of our students over the past year.

Congratulations to Our Award Recipients!
A heartfelt congratulations to all the students who received awards this year! Your achievements are a testament to your talent and determination, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future.

Memorable Moments
Swipe through the gallery below to relive some of the most memorable moments from the evening. It was a night filled with celebration and camaraderie.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students. Your presence made the event even more special!

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A Splashing Success at the BBSC Swimming Carnival 2025!

What an unforgettable day it was at the BBSC Swimming Carnival 2025, held at the vibrant Cleveland Aquatic Centre! This year’s event was the most colourful yet, with students and teachers proudly showcasing the house colours of our new houses: Banngu, Dabobila, Gunbing, and Giwa!

The day kicked off with an electrifying display of house spirit as everyone joined in to belt out the new house war cries, led by our enthusiastic house captains. The energy was palpable, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead!

We witnessed incredible talent in the pool, with thrilling races including the 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, and 50m freestyle. The competition was fierce, and the performances were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our talented swimmers.

In between the competitive events, we had a blast with novelty races that brought laughter and camaraderie to the day. From the participation race and ball relay to an exhilarating game of ‘Quidditch,’ there was never a dull moment! The excitement continued to build with the relay races, the teacher relay, and the thrilling ‘Dash for Cash’ event, which had everyone on the edge of their seats.

A massive shoutout to all our students for your enthusiasm and competitive spirit! Your participation made this event truly special. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for their efforts in making this day a reality. A special mention goes to the HPE team for all the hard work leading up to the event!

Stay tuned for the announcement of house winners, age champions, and record breakers at our next whole school assembly in week 9. We can’t wait to celebrate the achievements of our amazing students!

Mr Dan Nightingale
Head of Department - HPE/Wellbeing

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World's Greatest Shave!

We're excited to share some wonderful news from the heart of our school community. This year, BBSC is proudly participating in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave, a remarkable initiative that unites communities nationwide for people facing blood cancer.

What is the World's Greatest Shave?

The World's Greatest Shave is an annual event organised by the Leukaemia Foundation, aimed at raising funds to support families facing life with blood cancer. This year, our school is getting behind this incredible cause, and we invite each and every one of you to be part of this meaningful journey.

How Can You Get Involved?

Sponsor our team: Our dedicated students, teachers and staff are ready to make a bold statement by shaving, cutting or colouring their hair, all in the spirit of solidarity. You can show your support by sponsoring them. Find our school team and contribute online at 

https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/clairestanic/2025 

Why Join the Cause?

Participating in the World's Greatest Shave is more than just a fundraiser; it's a chance for us to come together as a community, teach our children the value of empathy and solidarity, and make a real impact in the lives of those affected by blood cancer.

Let's Spread the Word!

We encourage you to share this exciting news with family and friends, and let's make the World's Greatest Shave a resounding success at BBSC. Together, we can contribute to the vital research, support services, and care provided by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Thank you for being a part of this meaningful journey. Let's show the world the strength and compassion of our BBSC community!

SRC Newsletter Update: A Thriving Start to Term 1!

The Student Representative Council (SRC) has truly hit the ground running this Term 1, and we’re excited to share all the amazing activities and initiatives that have already taken place!

Swimming Carnival Success
Our SRC members have been actively promoting and participating in the much-anticipated swimming carnival. Not only did they cheer on their fellow students, but they also introduced new war cries that they creatively crafted at the end of last year. 

Spreading Love on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day was a heartwarming occasion as the SRC spread love throughout the school. They provided free cards for students to fill out and send to their friends, with our very own SRC cupids delivering these tokens of affection on the day. It was a delightful way to foster friendship and community spirit!

Celebrating Achievements at Awards Night
A highlight of our term so far was the Awards Night, where many of our dedicated SRC members received well-deserved awards, badges, and their official investiture. It was a proud moment for all, showcasing the hard work and commitment of our student leaders.

Exciting Events on the Horizon
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! The SRC is currently busy planning two major events: Bayside’s Got Talent and the World’s Greatest Shave, both set to take place on Bayway Day. Mark your calendars for Friday of Week 10, Term 1, right after the cross country event. We can’t wait to see the incredible talent our students will showcase!

Additionally, some of our energetic members have signed up to be ambassadors for the Push Up Challenge, promoting fitness and community engagement.

Creative Initiatives
In a fantastic display of student creativity, a promotional video for the Bayway system launch has been produced entirely by our students—written, acted, filmed, and directed by them! This initiative highlights the talent and teamwork within our council.

Upcoming Conferences and Ceremonies
On Friday, February 28, all SRC members will attend the GRIPP Student Leadership Conference at the Sleeman Sports Centre, where they will gain valuable insights and skills to enhance their leadership journey.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the International Women’s Day breakfast in March, where our students will join the annual Rotary Breakfast, a tradition that has been embraced by BBSC leaders since its inception.

Lastly, the Senior Commitment Ceremony will take place on Wednesday of Week 6, where Year 12 students will receive their senior badges—a symbol of their journey and responsibilities as seniors at BBSC. This special assembly, run by the SRC, will include the recitation of the pledge, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and leadership.

As you can see, the SRC is off to a fantastic start this term, and we are eager to keep the momentum going! Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates on our exciting initiatives.

Dr Parul Virpara & Mrs Claire Stanic
SRC Coordinators 

The Arts Department News

Repertoire Day 2025

Our new year 7 Instrumental Music students were welcomed to the Instrumental Music Program on Thursday of week 4 as part of Repertoire Day.

Students enjoyed a whole day of music, familiarising themselves with their instruments, getting to know staff and other students, and working in ensembles to get a taste of what being a part of the BBSC Instrumental Music Program is all about.

In the afternoon, students were joined by our year 8-12 Instrumental Music Students and put together a short performance with the two ensembles performing for each other at the end of the day.

The Instrumental Music teachers really enjoyed working with our new students and students will receive invites to join one of our various ensembles soon.

Musical Rehearsals

Musical rehearsals are well underway for the 2025 College Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Every Thursday after school, students and staff have been hard at work blocking out scenes and choreographing dances. The students have impressed staff with their hard work, professionalism, and talent.

At the start of week 4, Drama teacher, Mrs Adsett, held auditions for our new year 7s for roles in the ensemble. Many of our year 7 students impressed and have now joined our musical which has over 40 students in on stage roles!

Mr Richard Maher
Head of Department - The Arts

Immunisation Program comes to School

OzCare is providing free vaccinations for all Year 7 and Year 10 students at Brisbane Bayside State College, as part of Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program.

Students in year 7 and 10 are being offered free vaccinations to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Year 7 students will be offered a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and a combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. Year 10 students will be offered vaccination against meningococcal disease.

Vaccination clinics will operate on the following dates:

Ozcare will be also be offering students in Year 8 and Year 11 the opportunity to receive their missed vaccinations 2024.

This year, the paper consent card system has been replaced by a simplified digital system. Please click on the link below to access the Vitavo Parent Portal to provide consent.

https://OzcareMetroSouth.book.vitavo.com.au/school/BrisbaneBaysideStateCollege-KMWvQ4

For more information about vaccines or the School Immunisation Program, visit www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents

Peer Support Students Making Waves in Year 7!

We are excited to share that our Peer Supporters have hit the ground running this school year! In just the first four weeks, they have been instrumental in helping our Year 7 students adjust to their new environment, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported.

From guiding their buddies to find classrooms and providing essential stationery and books, to planning birthday calendars and keeping them informed about school notices, our Peer Supporters have truly embraced their roles. They’ve also organised engaging games during Connect sessions and fun lunchtime activities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the students.

The impact of our Peer Supporters is already evident, as they lead by example and create a positive atmosphere for everyone. Their dedication and enthusiasm are inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of the way they have stepped up to support their peers.

However, this is just the beginning! There are many more exciting initiatives and activities planned for the coming weeks, and we can’t wait to see how our Peer Supporters continue to make a difference.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for all our students. Stay tuned for more updates on the wonderful things happening in our school!

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Mr Tyler Briggs
Teacher/Peer Support Coordinator

Year 7/8 Girls Basketball: A Stellar Start to the Season!

We are thrilled to report that our Year 7/8 Girls Basketball team has kicked off the season with an impressive performance! The girls have shown incredible determination and teamwork, making us all proud.

In our first match, we faced a challenging start, trailing by 7 points at halftime. However, the girls rallied together, focusing on their shooting skills and executing a fantastic comeback to secure a 46-28 victory! Their hard work and resilience truly paid off.

Our second match took us to Cleveland, where we faced a competitive opponent. The game was neck-and-neck at halftime, but despite our best efforts, the opposition outscored us in the second half. Nevertheless, the girls demonstrated great sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the match, responding positively to feedback and supporting one another on the court.

A special shoutout to our Year 10 assistants who stepped up to help with scoring and refereeing when needed. Your support has been invaluable!

Well done, ladies! Keep up the great work, and let’s continue to build on this momentum as the season progresses. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next! 

Ms Nicole O'Brien 
Teacher - Mathematics/ Basketball Coach

Year 11 Agriculture: Growing Skills and Contributing to the Community!

Our Year 11 Agricultural class is hard at work, preparing their garden beds to plant vegetable seedlings for their upcoming assessment this term. This hands-on project not only allows students to learn essential agricultural skills but also contributes to our school community by providing fresh produce for the hospitality department.

As they dig in, students are gaining valuable experience in various aspects of agriculture, including weeding, soil preparation, and planting techniques. They are also learning about the different vegetables commonly used in delicious dishes, making the connection between farm-to-table even more meaningful.

It’s inspiring to see our students dedicated to their work and excited about the impact they’re making! We can’t wait to see the fruits of their labour and taste the yummy dishes that will come from their hard work. Keep up the hard work! 

Mr Tom Kluth
Teacher/Year Level Coordinator

2025 Mathematics and Science Tutorials!

We are thrilled to announce the updated schedule for our Mathematics and Science Tutorials! These sessions are designed to provide additional support and enrichment for our students, helping them excel in their studies.

Whether your child needs extra help with challenging concepts or wants to deepen their understanding of the subjects, these tutorials are a fantastic opportunity to enhance their learning experience.

Check out the updated schedule below:

We encourage all students to take advantage of these tutorials. For any questions or further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Head of Departments. 

Highlights of the Winds of Change Program

We are excited to share the incredible experiences our students had during Week 3 of the Winds of Change program! This week, the bay was alive with the sounds of enthusiasm and teamwork as our students took to the water.

With clear, confident voices ringing from the helm, our young sailors demonstrated remarkable communication skills. The crew’s enthusiastic “ready skipper” echoed across the waves, showcasing their growing confidence and teamwork.

We are thrilled to announce that we broke our group record for the quickest skipper, reaching an impressive speed of 7.95 knots! Our students also added to their sailing repertoire by mastering the round turn and half hitches, further enhancing their skills on the water.

What truly impressed us was how our students embraced the phonetic alphabet to spell their names, confidently used sailing terminology, and communicated openly about their experiences whether they were enjoying a particular activity or had questions. Their growth in confidence and communication is commendable!

A heartfelt thank you to the Making Waves Foundation for their support and for making this experience possible. We look forward to more adventures in the coming weeks!

Mrs Anna Hughes
Student Support Officer

Stay Connected: Update Your Contact Information!

At Brisbane Bayside State College, we want to ensure that you’re always in the loop about important news, events, and updates. That’s why it’s essential to keep your contact information current! If you’ve recently changed your email address, mailing address, home phone number, mobile number, or emergency contact details, please let us know.

• Email us at studentservices@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au
• Fill out a hard copy form available on our BBSC website. Find the form here: Update your Contact Details

Keeping your contact details up to date helps us communicate effectively and ensures you receive all the important information regarding your child’s education and school activities. Your cooperation helps us keep everyone informed.

Everyday Counts: The Importance of School Attendance

At Brisbane Bayside State College, we believe that every day at school matters! Did you know that if your child misses just one day a week, it adds up to nearly two months of missed learning over the course of a year? That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Every Day Counts initiative, designed to enhance student attendance and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

This initiative promotes four essential messages:

1. Enroll and Attend: Every child should be enrolled in school and attend every school day. Consistent attendance is crucial for academic success and personal growth.
2. Monitoring and Communication: Schools are committed to monitoring attendance and communicating effectively with families. We implement strategies to encourage regular attendance and support students in their learning journey.
3. The Risks of Truancy: Missing school can place students in unsafe situations and negatively impact their future employability and life choices. Regular attendance helps students build a strong foundation for their future.
4. Community Responsibility: Ensuring students attend school is a shared responsibility. It takes a village to support our children, and we encourage everyone in the community to play a role in promoting school attendance.

To learn more about the Every Day Counts initiative and how you can support your child’s education, please visit the Education Queensland website. Together, let’s make every school day count!

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive learning environment for our students.

Oztag Trials

Stop, Drop & Go Zone: A Friendly Reminder!

Welcome back to the 2025 school year, Brisbane Bayside State College families! As we kick off another exciting year, we want to remind all parents and guardians to utilise our designated Stop, Drop & Go Zone for all student drop-offs and pick-ups. This area is conveniently located near the Administration building for your ease.

Here’s how it works:

1. Stay with your car!
2. Keep moving toward the front!
3. Stop, Drop & Go!

IMPORTANT: Please note that the top gate access (Gate 2) is reserved for Staff Parking Only. This entrance is exclusively for staff members, and only students approved by our Student Support Services may use this gate.

Let’s work together to ensure a smooth and safe drop-off and pick-up experience for everyone this term. 

Uniform Shop Update: Hours and Contact Information

Our Uniform Shop is open on Mondays and Thursdays only, providing you with the opportunity to stock up on all your uniform needs.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out! You can contact our Uniform Shop via the following ways:

• Call:  07 3893 5358
• Email:  uniformshop@brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au 

They're here to help ensure your child is ready for a successful school year in style! Thank you for your support! 

ENROL NOW!

Are you considering enrolling your child at BBSC? Join us for our upcoming Principal Tours in 2025! The Principal Tours are the perfect opportunity for prospective families to gather essential info about our college ethos, curriculum offerings, and support systems. Plus, you'll get to meet and chat with our principal, Mrs. Catherine McCarthy! Enjoy a guided tour of our beautiful campus and indulge in some morning tea while you're here! 

Each session will provide the same valuable insights, so choose a date that works best for you! To secure a spot at one of the Principal Tours, please register by clicking here!

Study Skills Handbook

How to Break Down Complex Subjects

Taming Big Topics, One Step at a Time

We’ve all faced it—that overwhelming moment when you look at a massive topic and wonder, “Where do I even start?”. Whether it’s preparing for a history essay, learning a difficult science concept, or tackling a big project, it’s easy to feel stuck. But breaking down complex subjects into manageable steps can make studying not only easier but also more effective. Here’s how you can master the art of simplifying the complex.

Understand the Big Picture

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, take a step back and ask: What is this topic really about? For example, if you’re studying photosynthesis, the big picture might be understanding how plants convert sunlight into energy. Write this overarching goal at the top of your notes—it’ll act as a guide for everything you learn.

Tip: Look for summaries in your textbook or online resources to help you grasp the main idea. Tools like YouTube explainer videos can also offer quick overviews or ask ChatGPT to explain the concept to you in a simple way.

Break It Down Into Sections

Once you understand the big picture, split the topic into smaller, more manageable chunks. Think of it like dividing a pizza into slices—it’s easier to tackle one piece at a time than trying to eat the whole thing at once. For example:

• Studying ‘The Nervous System’ can be broken into ‘Brain’, ‘Spinal Cord’, and ‘Nerves’.
• Preparing for an essay might involve planning the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion separately.

Focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: Use your syllabus, textbook headings, or teacher’s notes to identify these sections. If the subject feels particularly dense, ask your teacher for clarification on what’s most important.

Create Visual Aids

Many students find it easier to remember information when they can see it laid out visually. Try these tools:

• Diagrams: Perfect for subjects like science or geography. Draw a labelled diagram to understand relationships between components.
• Flowcharts: Great for processes like historical events or problem-solving methods.
• Mind Maps: Ideal for summarising ideas and seeing connections between subtopics.

Visual aids not only help you organize your thoughts but also make revision more enjoyable and less monotonous.

Learn in Layers

Think of studying like peeling an onion—learn the surface-level basics first, then delve deeper as your understanding grows. For instance:

• First pass: Identify the key terms and concepts.
• Second pass: Learn how these terms connect.
• Third pass: Dive into details and examples.

Tip: Use multiple resources during this process. Your textbook might provide one perspective, but online videos or practice questions might give you a new way of looking at the material.

Review and Consolidate

Once you’ve mastered each section, it’s time to fit the pieces back together. Review how the smaller parts connect to the big picture. This step helps you see the subject as a whole and prepares you for tasks like essays, exams, or projects.

Tip: Try summarising the topic in your own words. If you can explain it simply, you’ve truly understood it.

From Chaos to Clarity

Complex subjects might seem intimidating at first glance, but with the right approach, you can simplify them into manageable steps. By understanding the big picture, dividing the topic into sections, and using tools like diagrams and mind maps, you’ll gain confidence and clarity. Remember, learning is a process—take it one step at a time, and you’ll find that even the most challenging topics can be conquered.