Beaconhills College
| Beaconhills College | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
Berwick & Pakenham, Victoria, Australia  |
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| Coordinates | 38°3′39″S 145°28′9″E / 38.06083°S 145.46917°ECoordinates: 38°3′39″S 145°28′9″E / 38.06083°S 145.46917°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent, Co-educational, Day school |
| Motto | Latin: Lux Luceat ("Let Your Light So Shine") |
| Denomination | Anglican, Uniting Church |
| Established | 1982 |
| Chairman | L. L. Maghanoy[1] |
| Headmaster | Tony Sheumack |
| Enrolment | 3000 (P-12)[2] |
| Colour(s) | Navy Blue & Gold |
| Website | www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au |
Beaconhills College is a co-educational, ecumenical, independent school providing education from early learning to preparatory to year 12. The college has three campuses: Little Beacons Learning Centre and the Pakenham Campus located in Pakenham and the Berwick Campus is situated in Berwick, Victoria, Australia.
Beaconhills was established in 1982 by the Anglican and Uniting Churches to serve the education needs of the Christian community in the greater Pakenham area. The College celebrated its silver jubilee in 2007.
Contents |
[edit] College History
[edit] Inception
The idea to establish a local, independent, Christian school was conceived by a group of parishioners at St. John's Anglican Church in Upper Beaconsfield in 1980. By March 1981 a Steering Committee had been established with Mr John McConchie appointed as Chairperson. The Steering Committee called a public meeting at the Pakenham Hall on 11 March 1981 where the proposal to establish an ecumenical, co-educational, low-fee secondary school was ratified in the presence of some 250 people.
In 1981, as the Steering Committee continued to hold public meetings seeking support for the new school, a 13-acre (53,000 m2) site on Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham was purchased and portable classrooms obtained from St. Catherine's School in Toorak, and Mr Frank Millett was appointed as founding principal. On 3 February 1982 Beaconhills Christian College opened with 34 students and five staff. A dedication service was held at St. James Church on 28 March 1982. Mr Frank Millet led the College as principal until 1988 by which time the College community had grown to include 388 students and a teaching staff of 30. Mr John McConchie, having led the Steering Committee, was Chairperson of the Board until 1986.
Today, Beaconhills College spans three campuses and has over 3000 students enrolled between early learning, preparatory and year 12.[2]
[edit] Berwick Campus
The Berwick Campus, situated on a 15 hectare site in Kangan Drive, Berwick, opened in 2003 with 356 students and 38 staff members. The initial student cohort spanned preparatory to year 7 and has grown each year in line with the progress of the senior-most students of initial cohort. 2008 marked the first year that the Berwick Campus offered a full preparatory to year 12 program, accommodating approx 1400 students.[3]
[edit] Co-Curricular Activities
[edit] Sport
At Beaconhills an extensive, quality co-curricular program is offered providing a real diversity of opportunities for students to extend their horizons and develop the whole person. Students can pursue their particular talents, interests and skills as well as explore new options.
Sporting involvement is a main part of the co-curricular program and is closely linked with the Physical Education and Health Studies areas. Sporting activities include sailing, basketball, snow skiing, kayaking and equestrian to name a few
The Berwick and Pakenham campuses compete in inter-school sports with other member schools of the GIS (Gippsland Independent Schools) and SIS (Southern Independent Schools) associations.
Beaconhills is well known for its Performing Arts. Many of the College’s co-curricular programs are associated with improving learning strategies such as debating, public speaking, chess and computer club.
[edit] House system
[edit] The Houses
The eight houses are named after individuals who have made significant contributions to Beaconhills College.[4]
| Clark House |
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|---|---|
| Creese House |
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| Leaver House |
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| McConchie House |
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| Millett House |
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| Rich House |
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| Tregoning House |
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| Woods House |
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[edit] Inter-house Competition
The eight houses participate in inter-house competitions throughout the year. Inter-house activities include:[5]
[edit] Uniform
[edit] Summer Uniform
The summer uniform is worn in the first and fourth terms. The summer uniform consists of a short sleeve white shirt, and grey pants or shorts for boys or the summer dress for girls.
[edit] Winter Uniform
The winter uniform is worn in the second and third terms. The winter uniform consists of a long sleeve white shirt and tie, with grey pants for boys or grey kilt with navy blue stockings for girls.
[edit] School Blazer
The Beaconhills blazer is navy blue with the College Crest embroidered in gold on the chest pocket. While the blazer may be worn all year, it is an explicit requirement on formal occasions or when students represent the College in public, including travel to and from the College.[6]
[edit] Future developments
[edit] Development at Pakenham Campus
Extension to Performing Arts Centre and New Administration Area The new Performing Arts Centre and Administration offices project is now finished and the facilities are in use, thanks to a $3 million Federal Government grant. The works included extending the existing Auditorium to incorporate a permanent tiered-seating area for approximately 330 people, the addition of two large spaces for drama and music and a new entrance foyer to the Auditorium. These new spaces will be used by all sections of the College including the Junior School.
[edit] New Middle School/International Centre
This year will also see the Language Centre at the Campus replaced with two new complexes: a Middle School and International Centre. Planned works also include new Junior School buildings and carpark developments.
[edit] Development at Berwick Campus
Major building projects continue to improve the facilities at the Berwick Campus. The new Year 9 Centre, specifically designed to meet the needs of the Year 9 program, is now complete. The development comprises six new general purpose classrooms, two of which serve as computer labs, an Art/Technology area, a large multi-purpose space, staff offices, meeting rooms and staff and student amenities. The Centre incorporates a number of key environmental initiatives including solar panels, rainwater collection systems and evaporative cooling.
This year also will see the completion of the new Technology Centre on the north-east section of the Campus. The Centre comprises six classrooms, storerooms, staff offices and staff and student toilets.
[edit] Alumni
Notable Old Collegians include:
- Bill Granger, Chef and Restauranteur. Attended Beaconhills College from 1986 to 1988 (Years 10-12).
- Pippa Black, actress in Australian soap opera Neighbours
- Justin Huber, Major League Baseball Player. Attended Beaconhills College from 1995 to 2000 (Years 7-12).
- Sarah Wheatley, Forensic Psychologist. Class of 1998.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Board of Directors (Beaconhills College) (accessed:10-04-2010)
- ^ a b College History (Beaconhills College) (accessed:10-04-2010)
- ^ Village Campus - Berwick (Beaconhills College) (accessed:10-04-2010)
- ^ 2003 Student Record Book, Senior School, Valley Campus.
- ^ The Beacon, 2004, Beaconhills College Yearbook.
- ^ Uniforms (Beaconhills College) (accessed:10-04-2010)
[edit] External links
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