Mr Stuart Edwards

Acknowledgment of Country

Bentley Park College acknowledges the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Bama, meaning people, the Traditional Owners of the Bulmba, meaning place, where the College is built. The College is located between two significant waterways – Bana Gindaja, meaning water and cassowary, and Bana Jubugaraa, meaning water and big boomerang.

We extend our respects to their Elders, their Ancestors and Future Generations as they hold the memories and the traditions and maintain the culture of the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Bama. We continue to offer sincere respect to all First Nations People.

Welcome

It's been a great start to the 2025 school year. On behalf of our College Principal Mr Bruce Houghton, who is currently on leave, I welcome all our new and returning students and their families to the Bentley Park College community. I also welcome all the new staff members across our Primary and Secondary sectors. 

We would like to thank the P&C for their work in making sure students are catered for with uniforms and resources. Parents and carers are encouraged to play an active role in their student's learning and attend regular parent teacher interviews, information nights and College events. Joining our Parents and Citizens’ Association or the Local Community Education Body is also a great way to stay connected and give back to the College community.

Vale the Honourable Warren Pitt AM

We would like to acknowledge the passing of Hon. Warren Pitt AM, and offer our deepest condolences to his family, including Hon. Curtis Pitt.

Both Mr Warren Pitt and Mr Curtis Pitt are former State Members for Mulgrave, and provided great support to the College over many years. This included donating the Member for Mulgrave Youth Volunteer Award every year since our first Presentation Night in 2004.

Mr Warren Pitt was also a former teacher in the district, including Bentley Park College. We honour his outstanding contribution to the community over many years, and may he rest in peace. 

'Day 8' Student Numbers 

The Queensland Department of Education provides teaching and ancillary staff for our schools based on the number of students enrolled and attending school regularly by 'Day 8' of the school year. This year, that was Thursday 7 February, and our numbers on this date are outlined in the table following. 

College Leaders' and Year 12 Induction

The first big event of the year is the College Leaders' and Year 12 Induction, which will be held at 12.15 pm on Wednesday 26 February (Week 5).  Year 12s will be formally inducted as Seniors, along with elected Year 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Leaders.

The official Year 12 and Year 6 group photos will also be taken on the day of the Induction. Year 12s are to be dressed in full formal school uniform.

Invitation letters will be going home to parents/carers of Year 12s and Leaders in Weeks 3 and 4. We hope you can join us for the ceremony.

2024 College Dux

Congratulations go to Hayley Storey who topped the Class of 2024! She was one of the 2024 College Captains, and won the Year 12 JCU Shield at Presentation Night last year. 

Hayley will be presented with her College Dux prize, donated by the Edmonton Lions Club, at the upcoming College Leaders' and Year 12 Induction. 

College communications

• eNewsletter: In addition to this welcome newsletter, Our Prep to Year 12 eNewsletter is published in Weeks 5 and 10 of each term, with the link distributed by email to parents/carers, staff, students and community members. It highlights key messages, as well as achievements across our Pillars of Excellence - Academia, Citizenship, The Arts, Technology and Sport. 
  
  
• Website: Our official website is updated on a regular basis and there is a lot of information about the College’s policy and procedures as well as upcoming events and a calendar of College events.
  
  
• Telephone/SMS: When we need to speak with parents/carers urgently this is the quickest way. This will either be by a personal phone call or text message. Please provide a mobile number if possible to receive important reminders, messages and absence SMS.
  
  
• Email - is a convenient way to contact our staff, with teacher email addresses available on our website. Please provide your email address to receive regular Principal Updates, newsletter links and other messages and reminders.
  
  
• Social media: The College operates active Facebook and Instagram accounts with reminders about events, photo galleries, good news stories and career opportunities in the community. The College also has a YouTube channel for video-sharing.
  
  
• Information sharing and transition events: Through the course of the school year there are scheduled events that give parents/carers and in some cases the wider community an opportunity to be involved in the College. These are well publicised through our electronic sign, notices, newsletter articles and the website calendar.
  
  Parent Teacher Interviews are held twice a year in both Primary and Secondary. These are very important sessions which provide parents/carers with valuable information about their student’s scholastic and social development, and is a great opportunity for parents/carers to provide the College information on specific issues students may have.
  
  There are also several information and transition events held throughout the year for students going into Prep, Year 7 and Year 11 the following year. 
  
  
• Letters and Notices/Flyers: Printed Excursion Consent Forms are sent home with students, which goes through a process as part of the Variation to School Routine (VSR). Other letters of communication from the College may be emailed home to parents/carers and placed on our Facebook page and website.
  
  
• QParents: A secure, online portal that has been created by the Department of Education and Training to provide parents of Queensland State school students with 24 hour access to their child's information.
  
  QParents allows parents/carers to securely access information about their child and communicate directly with the school regarding student information such as Attendance details, Report Cards, timetables, invoices, payment history and student photo. Excursion Consent Forms, Student Resource Scheme consent and media consent can also now be granted via QParents. 
  
  If you have not connected to QParents yet, the College will be sending invitation codes via email over the next couple of weeks for you to sign up. 

Our school community has worked together to establish simple, clear and explicit expectations for behaviour. Student behaviour improves when students know what is expected of them and when good behaviour is recognised. Our students are explicitly taught the behaviours they need for success at school and beyond.

The College takes a proactive, preventative approach, ensuring that all students receive the appropriate level of support to help them to succeed. Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) team constantly works to ensure that all students benefit and identified students receive additional support when needed. Find out more about PBL by watching this video or visit the website.

The Resilience Project (TRP) delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness.  The program is used in over 1000 schools and over 500 workplaces and is embedded into the curriculum at Bentley Park College.

Students engage in weekly activities and discussions around TRP’s GEM priorities - Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, as well as Emotional Literacy, as they are foundational contributors to positive mental health. More information is available on the TRP website.

Away for the day

We would like to thank students, parents, carers and staff for their support of the Queensland Department of Education's 'Away for the day' approach to mobile device usage, which began at the start of 2024. The initiative has been implemented smoothly, and has complemented and reinforced the mobile device policy that was already in place at the College.

Bentley Park College Strategic Plan 2024-2027

The Bentley Park College 2024-2027 Strategic Plan was implemented at the start of 2024, with its priorities based on the five recommendations of the 2023 School Improvement Review. Across the nation, the educational landscape is changing rapidly and we know that the work that we do over this time is vital for the long-term future of our College community.  

College jackets

The College Executive have worked alongside the P&C to source a suitable, affordable College jacket for Primary and Secondary students that will complement day and formal school uniforms across P-12. It was agreed the navy jacket pictured below will be the official BPC jacket, and is now on sale at the P&C Uniform Shop. 

The P&C have worked hard to ensure these jackets are good quality and are a good price, with the bonus of being water-resistant. So as to ensure consistency across the College, navy is the only acceptable colour and we strongly encourage parents/carers to purchase these jackets before we move into the cooler months. 

Over the past few years, Bentley Park College students have demonstrated they can wear their uniform with pride, but often try to wear an incorrect jumper making them appear to be out of uniform. Uniforms teamed with College-branded jackets are not only about identifying students with the College, but they also contribute to a safe and supportive environment.

Primary 'Open House': Reading in our Community

Parents and carers are invited to the Primary ‘Open House’ event on Tuesday 18 February (Week 4) from 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm.

At the ‘Open House’ this year, you will have the opportunity to visit your child’s classroom to see them in action participating in our reading practices and routines.

After school, with your student, please come along to the information session being held by the leadership team about how you can best support your students with their reading at home. 

• 2.10 pm – gates open, parents/carers make their way to classrooms
• 2.15 pm to 2.45 pm - classes will demonstrate reading practices
• 2.45 pm to 3.00 pm - information session relaying whole school and classroom information
• 3.10 pm to 3.45 pm – Information session in the Fishbowl (next to the library):
   How can I support my child with their reading at home?

To make the most of the Primary ‘Open House’, you may wish to consider the following questions:

Our leaders, teachers and students look forward to welcoming you into our classrooms at the Primary ‘Open House’, and to the information session afterwards. We hope you are able to attend this event to connect with your child’s learning and wellbeing at school.

Prep 

First day

Our Preppies were excited to start learning on their first day of big school last week! Our Prep transition program ensured the students, and their parents and carers, were all well-prepared for the day and felt comfortable and happy. 

Prep students on their first day of school

'My First Year'

Mr Brendan, a photographer from The Cairns Post, will return to Bentley on Thursday 20 February to photograph our Prep classes. The photos will then feature in an online gallery and also a published newspaper - dates to be confirmed. We always look forward to this special event and the cute pictures of our littlest students! Only Prep students with written media consent, via our State School Consent Form, will be photographed.

Mr Jarrod Prakelt

Secondary School Photos

On Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 February, NQ School Photography will be at the College to capture our 2025 Secondary school photos. 

Year 11 and 12 photos will be taken on Wednesday 26 February, to coincide with the College Leaders' and Year 12 Induction day, where all Year 11 and 12 students will be dressed in formal uniform.

The Year 12 group photo will also be taken on this day, which will be set up on the undercover court outside the Senior Stadium. The Year 6 group photo will also be taken on this day, but orders will be placed when Primary class photos are taken in Term 2, on Thursday 5 June. 

Year 7-10 photos will be taken on Tuesday 25 February.

Photo envelopes will be sent home with students very soon. It is best to make your order online using the shoot key PXJX5LMU, or you can return the envelope with your student on photo to where they hand it directly to the photographers.

Sports Academy

Our Rugby League, Netball and Football Academies travelled to Townsville at the end of 2024 for their annual Sports Academy trip.

 On the first day, they took on Kirwan State High school. The Rugby League girls and the Football team celebrated wins, the Rugby League boys held a quality Kirwan side to a 16-16 draw, and in Netball the home side claimed victory. After their games our students enjoyed cooling down at Riverway Lagoon and recharged with a barbeque.

 Before making the journey home, the Academy visited the state-of-the-art North Queensland Cowboys Headquarters. Led by Ray Thompson, former player and now The Resilience Project advocate, our student athletes were able to get an insight on the daily lives of professional Rugby League players.

 A big thank you to Kirwan State High School for being a fantastic host, and the North Queensland Cowboys for opening their doors to our school! Thank you also to our fantastic coaches for chaperoning the students, and the Gold Sponsor of the Sports Academy, Northern Wheel Aligners, for their ongoing support.

Sports Academy Townsville Trip 2024

Deadly Start Health Welcome

2025/26 Deadly Start Health students from schools across Cairns gathered at the Bentley Park College Medical Training Precinct this week to begin working towards their future careers.

The Deadly Start Education2Employment program, in partnership with Connect ‘n’ Grow and SEED Employment, provides culturally supportive pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students, from state and private schools, to start a career in the healthcare industry.

Year 11 students start the 18-month program, completing a Certificate II in Health Support Services delivered over six months, then move on to a school-based traineeship with Queensland Health, studying a Certificate III while learning on-the-job skills. The program also offers cultural mentorship and support throughout the duration of the traineeship.

BPC has almost doubled student participants this year, with Year 11 students Lavina, Kaden, Kymora, Sammy-Jo, Alisha, Yoshikita, Mavique and Harmarni starting the Deadly Start program this week. With more enrolments still being processed, this number will continue to grow.

Project Officer VET, Alyssa Smith, Yaburu Bulmba Coordinator Kristin Ware and SEED Foundation Support Officer Dolly Tardent were among the staff welcoming the trainees to the program.

Clontarf assists SES

Well done to the Bentley students and staff who assisted the local SES on Friday, making sandbags to support the community in the current wet weather. 

Clontarf Direct Traye Hodge and Junior Secondary Clontarf students James, Jayden, Joseph, Liam and Osaro were happy to lend a hand, along with teacher Glenn Stock and administrative officer Kym Barber, who is also an SES volunteer. The Clontarf boys really enjoyed their shift and are keen to get more involved, potentially helping out again this Wednesday.

Assisting the SES

Yarns from Yaburu Bulmba 

What an exciting and eventful two weeks at Yaburu Bulmba (YB), Bentley Park College’s Indigenous Girls’ Program!

YB mentoring has commenced with our girls this term welcoming Ms Kristin - Year 12, Ms Charlotte -Year 10/11, Ms Yasmin - Year 9, Ms Keisha - Year 8, and Ms Waisie - Year 7.

Our YB mentors welcomed back all the girls with new activities during TRP Classes, lunch times and Breakfast Club Fridays, while attending classes and supporting the girls during their new subjects.

The girls and the YB mentors gathered at J Block during lunch times for morning teas with yarning circles and activities, getting to know each other and each other’s journeys. Some of these activities include music, dancing, karaoke, art, beading and games.

TRP classes commenced, and the girls were included in yarning circles discussing the understanding of empathy, kindness, self-reflecting. Activities included astrology, star signs, horoscopes and emoji making, bringing everyone together.

Senior girls discussed their passions and goals and spent time creating resumes and cover letters.

This term, YB are looking forward to our learning on country excursion day at the Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park.

This week on Wednesday and Friday, YB will celebrate Valentine’s Day with activities in J Block including a photo booth, card and flower making, heart notes, cake decorating and lolly jar games.

YB Breakfast Club Fridays kicked off again this year in Week 2. Please join us every Friday from 7.30 am to 8.15 am for breakfast at J Block.

Parents and carers, please keep an eye out for permission notes coming home for upcoming excursions.

Weeks 1 & 2 at YB

BPC Study Centre

In 2025 the Study Centre will run Monday to Thursday from 8.00 am to 8.45 am in the JP Library. Students can arrange to meet and work with teachers for extra support, and can also complete independent study.

Junior Secondary (Years 7-9)

Sara Janke
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Teaching and Learning
sjank11@eq.edu.au

Hello! I'm Sara Janke, and I'm excited to join the Bentley Park College community! I’ve recently relocated to Cairns and I am looking forward to working with the staff, students, families, and the broader community here.

I was raised in the Darling Downs, but I have been working in the North Queensland region for the last eight years, so I am familiar with this wet weather. I’m eager to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the school. I am passionate about all students receiving a quality education, and I’m committed to supporting the learning journey of all Bentley Park College students.

I look forward to meeting and working with everyone. If you see me around, please stop and say hello.

Mrs Tash Toohey
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Student Services
ttoh7@eq.edu.au

We are thrilled to welcome all our Junior Secondary students to the new school year. A special welcome to our new Year 7 students and those joining us in Years 8 and 9—we are so pleased to have you as part of the Bentley Park College community! Our school has a fantastic and supportive environment, and we’re sure you will enjoy your time here.

A huge thank you to our parents and carers for ensuring students arrived on time and in full uniform. Your support plays a vital role in setting them up for success.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we are excited for all the learning, growth, and achievements ahead.

Wet Weather Reminder
Due to the ongoing rain, it has been a challenge to keep things dry. We encourage students to bring a plastic bag in their school bag to help protect their special belongings from getting wet.

Footwear Expectations
Even though the weather is wet, students are still required to wear closed-in shoes at school. If your child is walking to and from school in thongs or Crocs, please ensure they bring their dry runners in a plastic bag to change into upon arrival.

Keeping Warm & Dry
This rainy weather can leave students feeling a little damp during class. Please ensure they bring a jumper or jacket that aligns with our uniform policy—navy blue  only.

The Importance of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for students to learn and focus during the day. We encourage students to put all electronic devices down at least one hour before bedtime to help relax the mind and improve sleep quality. A good night’s rest leads to a productive and successful school day.

JUNIOR SECONDARY YEAR COORDINATORS

YEAR 7
Mr Sam Keane
skean4@eq.edu.au
Ph: 4040 8163

Hello everyone, my name is Sam Keane and I am the Year 7 Coordinator for 2025.

I’ve been teaching for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in various locations, from up the Cape to southern Queensland, primarily in primary schools. Recently, I transitioned to high school teaching for a fresh challenge, and it has been incredibly rewarding. Teaching Year 7 and Year 8 students has been a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful to work alongside such a dedicated team of colleagues.

This term, our students will explore new learning areas, sampling different electives as they work towards our 'Show and Shine' event at the end of the term. It’s an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their skills and creativity.

We also have several key events coming up:

• Swimming Carnival, the Junior Secondary Cup, and student recognition awards.
• The Year 7 'Get to Know You Day' will be a special highlight of the term! Details are still being finalised, so stay tuned for more information soon.
• Year 7 Meet and Greet - date to be confirmed. 

If you have any questions about Year 7 or any upcoming events, feel free to send me an email. I'm looking forward to a fantastic term ahead!

YEAR 8
info@bentleyparkcollege.eq.edu.au
Ph: 4040 8217

The Year 8 cohort has had a positive start to the year and I look forward to supporting students as they continue their academic and personal growth.

This term, leadership opportunities will be open and application forms are now available. I encourage all interested students to apply - no prior experience is necessary. 

With a busy term ahead, it is essential for students to stay on top of their schoolwork and commitments. If any challenges arise, I encourage students to reach out for support. 

I look forward to working with the Year 8 students and families throughout the year.

YEAR 9
Mrs Annie Birrell 
aebir0@eq.edu.au
Ph: 4040 185

Hi, I’m Mrs Birrell the Year 9 Coordinator. You can find me running around science. This is my first year as a year coordinator and I am so excited to jump in and have a lot of fun with Year 9!

Senior Secondary (Years 10-12)

SENIOR SECONDARY YEAR COORDINATORS

I’m the Year 10 Coordinator in 2025, having enjoyed being Year 9 Coordinator last year.

I’m someone who:

• enjoys photography (taking surf photos is my favourite thing, but photographing school events like footy and formal is also great)
• can’t really cook but runs Breakfast Club (free and friendly breakfast in the Mall, every Thursday)
• teaches English (and have done, in one way or another my whole life) but cares about everything and wants Year 10s to find out more about the world and themselves this year.

I’m currently in my sixth year at Bentley Park College, where I’ve taught maths every year. When the weekend rolls around, I trade in my teacher's hat for my South Sydney Rabbitohs jersey. I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves hitting the beach, hiking through scenic trails, and staying active at the gym. When I’m not exploring the great outdoors, I can be found in the kitchen - cooking is a true passion of mine. And, if I’m being completely honest, I also have a bit of a guilty habit: shoe shopping. 

After being the Year 11 Coordinator last year, I'm now looking forward to working with the Year 12s during their final year of school. There's lots to look forward to, like completing exams and assessments, the Formal and, of course, Graduation in November. 

But first, Valentine's Day. In preparation, Year 12 students have been selling a variety of roses and chocolates outside the canteen during first lunch. There has been great support from staff and students, with all profits going towards the Year 12 legacy project. They are looking forward to delivering the treats this Friday 14 February.

Safety at school crossings

Alumni

Calling Bentley Park College alumni (a graduate or former student of an educational institution) - we want to hear your story! Send us a short update and photo via email or Messenger to the Bentley Park College Facebook page if you're happy for us to share with the school and Cairns community!

To read bios of former students please click on the link below to take you to the Alumni page of our website.

Contact Details

Please ensure your contact details are up to date. If you have moved house or changed your phone number – please contact the Administration on 4040 8111 or email info@bentleyparkcollege.eq.edu.au to ensure that we can contact you. It is in your child’s best interests to have a valid contact number for a parent/carer.

From our Student Support Team

The Department works actively to support students’ health and wellbeing in schools. If you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing, you can contact the College to ask what additional support might be available. Support is also available through a number of Queensland Government agencies and community organisations.

Parents and carers can call 13Health (13 43 25 84) at any time for practical medical advice and assistance.

You are also able to contact Lifeline Australia’s telephone counselling service on 13 11 14 for information and advice or obtain help and information from a local General Practitioner or Community Health Centre.

Queensland Health

A reminder that all the latest health information is available on the Queensland Health website. As always, the health and wellbeing of your children, and our staff, remain our focus.

Your Mental Wellbeing

The Queensland Government's website has a page with services and organisations to support you if you are struggling with your mental health. 

School Immunisation Program

The School Immunisation Program enables Year 7 and Year 10 students to be vaccinated through thtier school for free. 

Year 7 students are offered vaccination against:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): 1 dose
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough): 1 dose.

Year 10 students are offered vaccination against:

• meningococcal ACWY strains: 1 dose
• meningococcal B strain: 2 doses.

Parents/carers will receive an information package along with a consent form. It is important to read the information and discuss it with your child.  

More information for schools and parents/carers about this additional vaccination can be found on the Queensland Health services in state schools webpage.

Triple P

The Teen Triple P- Positive Parenting Program provides families with children aged between 10 to 16 years, free, expert parenting advice. Learn how to raise confident, capable teens by managing and encouraging behaviour, supporting wellbeing and helping to improve social skills.  

P&C Meetings: AGM

The BPC P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM) and March Meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 March from 7.00 am in the Primary Library 'Fishbowl' conference room. We encourage new and returning parents and carers to attend and find out how the P&C supports the College and students.

There are many ways you can be involved:

• Providing input on routine and budgets.
• Contributing to policies on behaviour, uniforms, and sun safety.
• Assisting with fundraising, events or volunteering in the Tuckshop/Canteen and Uniform Shop.

Everybody has a role to play and new ideas will be heard. The more people involved in our P&C the more exciting and successful it will be. If you would like more information or to speak to current members, please contact Andrea Barnard, P&C Operations Officer, on 4045 4971, 04313 286 123 or bpcpnc@bigpond.net.au.

BPC P&C meeting dates for 2025:

• Term 1: Tuesday 11 March (AGM)
• Term 2: Tuesday 13 May; Tuesday 10 June
• Term 3: Tuesday 19 August
• Term 4: Tuesday 14 October; Tuesday 25 November

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open from 8.00 am to 10.30 am, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Come and see us first for all your schooling needs including uniforms for Preps right through to Year 12s, stationery, book packs for Prep -12 students, House colour sports shirts, hats, school socks, hair ties, school badges, winter jackets, rain ponchos, Music group black pants, BPC backpacks and more.

If you need the Uniform Shop outside normal opening hours these hours, please make an appointment online via bentleyparkcollege@setmore.com.au

Online Uniform Shop:

BPC Uniform and Dress Code Policy:

Tuckshop and Canteen

The Secondary Canteen opens daily for both lunches, and the Primary Tuckshop opens at first lunch each day and second lunch Wednesday to Friday. Prep students can use the Tuckshop from Term 2.

Primary Tuckshop Menu:

Secondary Canteen Menu:

Tuckshop/Canteen online ordering:

Find the Bentley Park College P&C Association on Facebook!

Bentley Park College is proud to present our valued sponsors and thank them for their generous support.

Our sponsorship opportunities are specifically designed to deliver on our sponsors commercial, brand and/or community engagement objectives. 

Please contact Kylea Rowan, Marketing Officer, via phone 4040 8246 or email  to discuss our sponsorship proposal, which include gold, silver and bronze tiers. 

More details on our sponsorship packages is also available on our website on our Become a sponsor page. 

Pacific Toyota

Pacific Toyota is a Bentley Park College Gold Sponsor, and we thank them for their support of our Automotive Program.

Pacific Toyota https://www.pacifictoyota.com.au/

Osborne Construction Solutions

Thank you to Osborne Construction Solutions, Bentley Park College Gold Sponsor and supporter of our Construction Program.

Osborne Construction Solutions website https://www.osborneconstructions.com/

Northern Wheel Aligners

Thank you to Gold Sponsor Northern Wheel Aligners and their support of our Sports Academy.

Northern Wheel Aligners website https://www.nwasuspension.com.au/

Peries IGA

Thank you to Peries IGA for their Gold Sponsorship of the Citizenship Pillar of Excellence.

Peries IGA website https://www.iga.com.au/stores/peries-iga-edmonton/

Teresa Cawte - Cairns @realty Services https://www.atrealty.com.au/teresacawte/