Mrs Kylie Cochran

As we come to the end of Term 1, I would like to congratulate our students, staff and College community for the incredible start to 2025. The positive attitude and commitment to the values of Aspire, Learn, Achieve have been displayed consistently by students across P-12.  With a focus on learning, achieving success and providing positive pathways for all students, this Term has established a solid foundation for students and staff to strive for excellence in the year ahead.

This week, we were informed College Principal Mr Bruce Houghton will be leading a Regional project supporting schools and Leadership Teams in Cape York. During this time, I will be continuing as acting College Principal for Term 2. On behalf of the College community, I would like to wish Bruce all the best in this new role and I look forward to working with students, staff, families and the wider community next term.

H2O Student Laptop Program 

Bentley Park College is thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new Hire to Own (H2O) Student Laptop Program. Initially the program will roll out for students in Tech Express in Primary and in Aspire and laptop classes in Secondary.  This innovative initiative will provide our students with robust, high-quality devices to support their educational journey throughout Primary and Secondary.

Program highlights 

• Flexible payment options.
• The supply of Asus rugged laptops: Specially designed to withstand the rigours of daily student use, these laptops are built to military-grade durability standards.
• Comprehensive package inclusions: Each device comes with a protective carry case and accidental damage coverage, offering peace of mind for parents/carers.
• Full technical support: Our school IT technicians will provide complete support, ensuring all necessary software is installed and maintaining connectivity for optimal learning experiences.
• Laptop ownership opportunity: Students will own their laptops once all payments are made, making this a long-term investment in their education.

Benefits for students

The H2O program will equip our students with powerful tools to enhance their learning, and offer:

• a seamless transition between school and home learning environments
• improved collaboration and engagement in class activities
• an opportunity to further develop essential digital literacy skills for future success
• future access to digital textbooks and educational software.

Participation in H2O

Detailed information about enrolment in the H2O program will be distributed in the coming weeks. All students in Years 3-12 can participate.

We encourage all parent/carers and students to consider this excellent opportunity to secure a high-quality, fully supported device for your child's educational needs. 

Join us in embracing this exciting new chapter in digital learning at Bentley Park College. Together, we're investing in our students' futures and preparing them for the digital world ahead.

Would like to have a say? Please click here to give your feedback https://forms.office.com/r/UUhXEL5r1Z?origin=lprLink

Anzac Day commemorations

Bentley Park College values the traditions of Anzac Day and we pay tribute to the men and women of the Australian Armed Forces by commemorating Anzac Day each year.

College Commemorations

Our Primary and Secondary Anzac Ceremonies will be held on Wednesday 23 April, with the Secondary Band performing and student Cadets in attendance. Parents and carers are welcome to attend our ceremonies. Primary entry is via Gate 10, and Secondary via Gate 3.

Primary Anzac Ceremony

• 9.00 am, Primary Hill: Prep to Year 6 students, hosted by our Primary Leaders. (Primary Hall is wet-weather alternate venue)

Secondary Anzac Ceremonies

• 12.30 pm, Senior Stadium: Senior Secondary (Year 10, 11 and 12) students, hosted by our College Captains.
• 2.15 pm, Senior Stadium: Junior Secondary (Year 7, 8 and 9) students, hosted by our Junior Secondary Captains.

 
Community Commemorations

On Friday 25 April, the College will be participating in the Edmonton Dawn Service at the Fuller Park Cenotaph, Wolff Street Edmonton. Students and their families are encouraged to attend. They should be in full school uniform and must be supervised by their parents/carers for the duration of the service.

‘Fall in’ is at 5.00 am, with the service commencing at 5.30 am and ending at 6.30 am. College student leaders will be involved in the service by reciting a poem and the laying of wreaths to represent our school.

Our College Band will be performing under a large Bentley Park College marquee, and directly next to it there will also be a marquee for students, parents/carers and College staff. The location of these marquees is pictured overleaf – please be mindful it will still be dark upon arrival.

Students and staff are invited to march with the College after the service. School groups will assemble on Wolff Street before marching off on to Cattle Street and onto the service road to Fuller Sports car park, where the march will end. Parents and carers are to then meet the students after the march at the Fuller Sports car park. The route is shown on the map overleaf.

Fuller Sports Club management have kindly allowed parents/carers and participants to use their southern-most parking lot and will need to be parked before the road closure at 5.30 am. Please do not park in the upper parking lots of Fuller Sports, near their buildings and entrance, and take extreme caution when leaving given the number of students who will have participated in the service and march.

We hope you can join us as we commemorate Anzac Day 2025.

Lest We Forget

Mrs Sue Bow

Prep 'My First Year'

The 2025 'My First Year' gallery is now available on the Cairns Post website, featuring our wonderful Preppies.

Thank you to the Cairns Post for this lovely annual tradition, especially photographer Mr Brendan (Radke) for his patience with the little ones, making the experience so much fun.

The Cairns Post's My First Year 

Parent Teacher Interviews

• Tuesday 6 May, 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm
• Tuesday 13 May, 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm

At Bentley Park College we believe it is important that parents and carers have a clear understanding of their child’s academic progress and conduct Parent Teacher Interviews each semester. These interviews between parents/carers, teachers and students provide you with the opportunity to gain a clearer picture of your child’s achievements as well as finding out areas where assistance may be required.

Interview bookings will open on Wednesday 23 April. Once open, to make a booking, go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code p8eb2. Bookings must then be finalised by 3.00 pm on Monday 5 May. 

Primary Upcoming Events:

• Primary Anzac Ceremony: Wednesday 23 April
• P&C Mother’s Day gift stall: 6-8 May
• P&C Mother’s Day Tea and Toast: Friday 9 May
• Primary Parent Teacher Interviews: Tuesday 6 May and Tuesday 13 May
• Primary School Photos: Thursday 5 June

Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews

Term 1 reports will have been emailed out for all Secondary students by the end of this week.  We hope you find this feedback useful in reviewing your child’s progress so far this year, and in aiding them to set goals for the remainder of the year.

All parents and carers are requested to meet with their child’s teachers at the Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews so we can work together to ensure your child achieves to their potential.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 April from 3.20 pm to 6.00 pm in G Block, which is easily accessed via the Borrowdale Close entrance.  

Families of Year 11 and 12 students are also invited to book an interview with Ms Sheri Mills, the Guidance Officer, to commence discussions and planning around university applications for 2026 or 2027.

Instructions for how interviews can be booked via www.schoolinterviews.com.au - enter the code 5a5f8

Alternatively, interviews can be booked by contacting our office on 4040 8207 or 4040 8214.

We look forward to working together with you to support your child’s success at our college.

Junior Secondary (Years 7-9)

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

As we reach the end of Term 1, it’s a great time to reflect on the progress made across our school. This term, we’ve placed a particular focus on reading—from improving comprehension to enhancing fluency and vocabulary knowledge. It’s been fantastic to see students engage in developing these essential skills.

Another highlight this term was the successful completion of NAPLAN for Year 7 and 9 students. Our students tackled the tests with dedication, and we’re proud of their efforts. We look forward to sharing the results later in the year.

With the end of the reporting period, students will be bringing home their Term 1 reports. These reports offer valuable insights into their academic progress and areas for growth. We encourage families to review these reports and discuss them with their child. Looking ahead to Term 2, we’re excited about the Parent Teacher Interviews. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and how we can continue to support their learning. More details on booking interviews will be provided soon.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Laptop Scheme – Hire to Own. Rather than hiring laptops each term, families and students can now pay off a laptop over time, ensuring seamless ownership and continued access to technology for their learning. Be sure to read the rest of the newsletter for more details on this exciting initiative.

Thank you to all students, staff, and families for your continued efforts throughout the term. Wishing you a restful break, and we look forward to Term 2!

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

Social Media and Student Wellbeing: What Parents Need to Know

At Bentley Park College, we work hard to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. However, one of the biggest challenges we face in managing student behaviour stems from social media use outside of school hours. Nearly all our out-of-class behaviour incidents—whether they involve conflicts, threats, or even physical altercations—originate from social media interactions that have escalated.

The impact of social media on mental health

Research has consistently shown that excessive social media use can have serious effects on the mental health of young people. Studies have linked heavy use of platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and low self-esteem.

The Australian eSafety Commissioner highlights that exposure to cyberbullying, unrealistic portrayals of life, and online peer pressure can negatively impact teenagers' mental well-being. Additionally, a 2019 study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that frequent social media use disrupts sleep and physical activity, both of which are critical for mental health.

Parental observation is essential

Given these risks, it is entirely appropriate for parents/carers to set clear boundaries around their child's social media use. This includes:

• limiting screen time: Experts recommend no more than two hours per day of recreational screen use for teenagers.
• checking social media activity: Parents/carers should know what platforms their children are using, who they are talking to, and what content they are consuming.
• encouraging open conversations: Talking about responsible online behaviour and the risks of oversharing can help teens navigate social media more safely.

Mobile phones at school: not necessary

It is important to remember that students at Bentley Park College do not need mobile phones during school hours. Phones are not permitted for use at school, and there is no educational or social benefit to bringing them. Instead, they often become a distraction, a source of conflict, or a tool for inappropriate online behaviour. If students need to contact home, they can do so through the school office.

We urge parents and carers to take an active role in managing their child's online activity. By setting boundaries, monitoring content, and reinforcing responsible technology use, families can help reduce the negative impact of social media and support their child’s mental well-being.

For more information on online safety, visit the eSafety Commissioner website.

I hope all of our students and families have a safe and relaxing break.

Study Centre

The Secondary Study Centre in the JP Library has begun and is now before school on Mondays to Thursdays. It's a great way for students to get a little bit of extra assistance with their homework and assessments. 

Secondary Upcoming Events:

• Secondary Anzac Ceremonies: Wednesday 23 April
• Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews: Tuesday 29 April
• Secondary Athletics Carnival: Friday 23 May

P-2 Easter Parade

The Easter Bunny was the guest of honour at today’s Easter Parade for our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students. Students made Easter masks or hats and proudly showed them off for the crowd, and finished the event off with some great dancing!

Thank you to all the families who came along to watch the parade – the students and staff loved having your there!

P-2 Easter Parade

Japanese Student Visit

Furukawa Gakuen High School visited Bentley Park College last year and loved it so much, they came back this year!

The Japanese students spent a whole day at the College with our dedicated Bentley Buddies, enjoying activities such as cultural arts and crafts with Yaburu Bulmba, VR and AR and a sports session to round off the day.

A highlight was the delicious lunch and afternoon tea buffets catered and served by our talented Hospitality students and staff.

Thank you to Study Tour coordinator, Mrs LeeAnne Senior, Deputy Principal  Ms Sara Janke, Bentley Buddies, Yabura Bulmba girls and staff, Hospitality students and staff, Ms Char Anderson from ICT and our HPE department for organising this wonderful day of cultural exchange.

This week we had another Japanese group for a half-day visit – more in the next newsletter. We are also looking forward to welcoming more later in the year.

Furukawa Gakuen  visit

World Literacy Foundation donations

World Literacy Foundation were again recipients of book donations from Bentley Park College this year, organised by community-minded teacher Mr Glenn Stock.

Several boxes of excess school text books and story books were put together by Mr Stock and then collected by Andrew from World Literacy Foundation, who was very appreciative of the donation. This year, books will be sent to an island called Daru, which is significantly north off the tip of Queensland.

It is our second donation, and Mr Stock is committed to passing on more resources in the future. ‘I holidayed with my family up north eight years ago and took the time to visit several primary schools whilst we were there - children have very little furniture, staff and most importantly books. I believe BPC’s contributions are most definitely going to make a wonderful change towards their future’.

Thank you Mr Stock for saving these resources that may otherwise be discarded, and to Andrew and World Literacy Foundation for sending them where they’re needed the most.

World Literacy Foundation donations

Yarns from Yaburu Bulmba 

What an amazing 10 weeks at Yaburu Bulmba! Well done to all our YB girls scorching through Term 1!

This term, YB mentors have offered our young first nations women academic and emotional support, and yarning circles encouraging personal growth, inclusion, respect and teamwork during TRP Lessons, classes and lunch times.

This year’s Harmony Day was celebrated by our mentors and YB students alongside our visiting Japanese students, where learnt about Indigenous Australia’s culture, including weaving and food. YB mentors shared yarns about inclusivity, diversity, unity and belonging for all cultures. It was a beautiful day!

A handful of our YB girls were invited to dance with ‘Sacred Creations” at the Great Barrier Reef Foundation event at the Tanks Arts centre. This special event recognised the incredible efforts of First Nations traditional caretakers of the lands and waterways throughout Queensland. The girls were stunning showcasing their love for their culture and dance, making us proud yet again! Too deadly!

Last week our Yaburu Bulmba mentors and students ventured off to Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park for their first Learning on Country day. The girls had an amazing day meeting Australian wildlife, such as koalas, hand-fed wallabies and kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, crocodiles and more. The Pamagirri guide ‘Rainforest Walkabout’ included a breathtaking dance performance by Kuranda’s Traditional Owners, the Tjapukai (Djabugay) dancers, followed by the dreamtime walk where the girls learned boomerang throwing, spear throwing and yarns about culture, dance and music.

YB continues to welcome our girls to J Block for yarning circles and activities. Some of these activities include music, dancing, art, beading and games, karaoke on Mondays at first lunch, and Breakfast Club every Friday.

Keen to work? YB now have a resume building station in J Block, Your resume is your first impression! let’s make it amazing with the help of our YB Mentors.

Stay tuned for an exciting Term 2 ahead at Yaburu Bulmba!

Bentley Park College YB program have also been chosen to design our very own garments for the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s fashion showcase coming up next term in July.

Congratulations Elysia, Shirley-Anne, Annabelle, Savannah, Kara, Uneke, Tahlia and Yoshikita for being chosen to showcase their talents in this amazing showcase of Indigenous arts and fashion!

Yaburu Bulmba is looking forward to Reconciliation Week. This year will see us join forces with the SHELLS program from Trinity Bay State High School, and Yaburu Bandu program from Yarrabah State School.

This groundbreaking collaboration fits in well with this year’s theme Bridging Now to the Next.

Ms Kristin Ware (BPC), Ms Jerusa Bullio (Tbay) and Ms Larissa Savage (Yarrabah) have been busy working hard behind the scenes to bring over one hundred plus First Nation females together. The Year 10-12 female students will enjoy a day of networking and bridging strong connections in community.

These three grass-root female programs are important in our schools, they help to guide and equip the next generation of female leaders for their futures.

Enjoy your well-deserved holiday break! We look forward to seeing you at Yaburu Bulmba in Term 2!

Term 1 at YB

Upcoming Citizenship Events:

• BPC Anzac commemorations: Wednesday 23 April
• Anzac Day Edmonton Dawn Service and March: Friday 25 April
• Year 9 Peer Mentor Camp: 30 April – 2 May

Peries IGA

Proud sponsor of our Citizenship Pillar of Excellence

 
YB Dance Troupe 

Our Yaburu Bulmba Dance Troupe performed in front of over 300 First Nations females at the Indigenous Women Rangers Network Forum at the Pullman Cairns International in Week 6. Well done to Tayhanee, Aida, Aiyanna, Shavonne and dance teacher Ms Tamara Pearson for showcasing their culture so beautifully!

In Week 8, the dancers also performed at the 'Looking after Reef and Catchment Country' conference at Tanks Arts Centre. We're beyond proud to call our YB girls our own - keep doing great things in community ladies!

YB Dance Troupe

Upcoming Arts Events:

• Anzac Ceremony performances: Wednesday 23 April
• Anzac Day Edmonton Dawn Service performance: Friday 25 April
• Big Night Out: Wednesday 28 May
• Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod: 19 June - 4 July

Robotics Club

The Bentley Park College after-school Robotics Club was established to allow time for students in Years 5 to 12 to develop robots to compete in competitions. These competitions are run by QSITE each year at Cairns’ schools, including Bentley Park College.

Robotics Club is run by Secondary ICT Teacher Mr John O'Grady after school on Fridays from 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm in TA Block. In Term 1, the Club will run in Weeks 4 to 9; in Terms 2, 3 and 4 in Weeks 1-9. Interested students can collect an Excursion Consent Form from Mr O'Grady.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a term used to describe a digital device ownership model where students or staff use their personally-owned devices to access the Department of Education and Training's (DET) information and communication technology (ICT) network. 

At Bentley Park College, we aim for as many students as possible to have access to their own device in response to the significant role technology plays in education.  Students are strongly encouraged to bring a personally-owned or hired device to school as a learning tool to provide a seamless movement between school and home. 

For more information on our BYOD Program, please see our website. 

Upcoming Technology Events:

• Robotics Club: Friday afternoons, 3.15 pm to 3.45 pm
• QSITE FNQ RoboCup and Sumo Robotics Championships: Saturday 21 June

Sports House Shirts

Thank you to the Bentley Park College P&C for kindly donating sports house shirts to our Year 6 and Year 12 Arlington, Euston, Onyx and Upolu House Captains, to make them look and feel the part.

Primary House Captains Chrisvin, Miles, Dante, Michael, Za Cora, Lakiesha, Alivia and Zoe wore their coloured shirts with pride at the Primary Cross Country. 

Primary House Captains

Secondary Swimming Carnival

The Arlington Marlins took out back-to-back swimming carnivals, smashing the competition on 338 points at the event in Week 6. Congratulations to the blue team and House Captains Jonathan and Michelle!

The other houses very closely fought it out for the places, with Onyx on 216, Euston on 215 and Upolu on 2010 - going to show that every single point counts!! The order was exactly the same as 2024!

Well done to all the competitors and students who attended this fun annual event at Woree Sports and Aquatic Centre. This year the theme was 'Careers'. Thanks to Sports Coordinator, Mr Guy Millar, and staff for their coordination.

Congratulations to all swimmers who added to their team’s point score, and a special congratulations to Age Champions Lily-May, Jackson, Tahsiana, David, Charlotte, Bailey, Jami, Mialy, Taylor, Nicholas, Georgia and Alexander.

Thank you to Sports Coordinator Mr Guy Millar for organising the carnival at Woree Pool, and HPE staff and other staff for helping the day run smoothly. Thank you also to Mr Richard Newman for the capturing the spirit of the day with his great photos!!

Secondary Swimming Carnival

Secondary Swimming Carnival Age Champions

Primary Cross Country Carnival

The feature sporting event on the Term 1 Primary calendar is the Cross Country, which occurred on Friday 28 March. The event was planned by our Primary HPE teachers Alex Riches and Anna Verrios and was colourful and exciting, with students running with determination to get the most points for their team.

In the lead-up to the Cross Country, students in Years 1-6 developed stamina through their participation in the lap challenge, also gaining points for their sporting houses. Students also improved their running skills during HPE lessons.

At the end of the day, the Upolu Crocodiles were victorious and house captains Chrisvin and Zoe were presented with the champion shield. All Cross Country first, second and third Age Champions were awarded and got to stand on the podium in front of all Primary students at the presentation. Congratulations students, especially Age Champions Stella, Jahsias, Aurora, Benjamin, Azaraya, Hunter, Henley, Malekia, Daniel, Savannah, Levitikus, Angel and Cooper! 

Primary Cross Country

Primary Cross Country Age Champions

Secondary Cross Country Carnival 

The Arlington Marlins have made it two from two with a win at the Secondary Cross Country this afternoon, backing up their Swimming Carnival success! After the event, students cooled down on the traditional slip and slide and had fun at the colour run.

Congrats team blue and house captains Jonathan and Michelle, all participants and age champions Allirah, Horace, Kaitlin, Tyler, Ta'aliya, Liam, Breea, Daniel, Kalinda, Titus, Hannah and James!

Extra congratulations to Year 12 student and Euston House Captain, Hannah, for breaking the Open record; and Year 10 student Daniel for the fastest time on the course. 

Thanks to Sports Coordinator, Mr Guy Millar, and staff for all their work leading up to the carnival and on the day. Look out for more Cross Country and Colour Run photos in our next newsletter and on social media. 

Secondary Cross Country Age Champions

Sports Academy

Innisfail Trip

In Week 10, we embarked on our NWA Sports Academy trip to Innisfail, where we competed against Innisfail State College and Good Counsel College in Football, Rugby League, and Netball.

 A total of 80 students from Years 7 to 12 proudly represented Bentley Park College. The students had a fantastic time competing against other schools from the Far North Region, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Sports Academy Innisfail Trip

Year 6 'Come and Try Day'

Year 6 students in South Cairns will soon have the opportunity to trial for the 2026 Bentley Park College Sports Academy as they prepare to transition from Primary into Secondary schooling. This is part of our ongoing commitment to excellence in both academic and athletic development.

They will meet the Academy coordinators and coaches; participate in drills, games and routines; and experience what a day in the life of a Sports Academy student at BPC looks and feels like. The Bentley Park College Sports Academy offers specialised programs Rugby League, Football (soccer) and Netball. It aims to support and nurture young athletes as they progress through their school years, developing their athletic skills while also promoting teamwork, resilience, and discipline.

Invited Primary schools are Bentley Park College, White Rock State School Hambledon State School and Isabella State School. We look forward to welcoming them on 16 May!

Rugby League Academy

Karyn Murphy Cup

Our girls Rugby League teams kicked off the Karyn Murphy Cup competition in Week 6 Wednesday, showcasing their skills and determination by winning the majority of their matches.

Trinity Bay State High School went down to Bentley 6-2 in the Year 7/8 division, and 5-0 and 3-2 in the Year 9/10 division; with the Bentley Opens team narrowly losing to Woree State High School, 4-1.

Year 7 & 9 Rugby League Finals

Our Year 7 and 9 Rugby League teams wrapped up their competitions this week. The Year 7 team made an impressive run to the Grand Final, narrowly losing to Trinity Bay State High School by just 12 points. The boys fought hard throughout the match and never backed down. Edmund and Liam were standout players, each scoring tries and making crucial tackles.

In the Year 9 competition, Bentley secured a thrilling 18-16 victory in their playoff for third place against Saint Augustine’s. Mialy and Bradley were the key players of the match, executing vital plays in attack and scoring the winning try.

Looking ahead to next term, our Year 10 and Opens Boys Rugby League competitions will kick off in Week 2, with matches taking place on Wednesday afternoons.

Year 7 & 9 Rugby League finals

Netball Academy

Congratulations to Year 7 Netball Academy student, Tahleigha, who has earned her spot as one of the most skilled young netballers in the Far North after selection in the 10-12 Years Girls Peninsula Netball team!

Tahleigha attended Isabella State School for primary, and last year was awarded a 2025 Northern Wheel Aligners Sports Academy Scholarship at Bentley Park College for her netball prowess by Netball Academy Coordinator Miss Struber.

We are very proud of Tahleigha’s continued development and determination as a young athlete and wish her all the best at the State trials!

Congratulations Tahleigha

Highgrove Bathrooms donation

A big thank you to Rob from Highgrove Bathrooms Cairns for generously donating basketballs to be used in our Primary and Secondary HPE classes!

We truly appreciate the support from one of our local businesses and are grateful for the positive impact they're making in our community!

Upcoming Sports Events:

• CISSA Sport continues on Wednesdays, with grand finals on Wednesday 11 June
• Cowboys Challenge Rugby League: Wednesdays Term 2
• FNQ Schools Cup Volleyball: 23-24 April
• TCS Primary and Secondary Cross Country carnivals: Thursday 1 May
• AFL Schools Cup: Friday 9 May
• Peninsula Cross Country: Tuesday 13 May
• Sports Academy Year 6 'Come and Try Day': Friday 16 May
• Secondary Athletics Carnival: Friday 23 May
• Vicki Wilson Cup Netball: Friday 20 June
• Smithfield Fast 5s Football: Monday 23 June

Northern Wheel Aligners: Proud Gold Sponsor of the Sports Academy

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 School-based Youth Health Nurse

Jordy Milbourne is our new School-based Youth Health Nurse in Secondary. She is at the College on Mondays, Tuesdays and alternating Wednesdays. Jordy's email is jmilb23@eq.edu.au. Please see flyer following for more information on the service.

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

Starting in 2024, the School Immunisation Program will include vaccination against the meningococcal B (menB) strain, the most common cause of illness and death from meningococcal disease in Queensland.

This is in addition to the protection already offered to Year 10 students against meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y. 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.  

Support Information for Families

There are a number of different organisations in the Cairns area that are able to provide support to families. Please see one of our guidance officers for more information:

Primary: Mr Scott Gilmour sgilm26@eq.edu.au

Years 7-9: Ms Christina Wight cwigh12@eq.edu.au

Years 10-12: Ms Sheri Mills sxmil6@eq.edu.au

Cairns_and_Hinterland_Supports_for_Families_Flyer_Last_updated_18122023.pdf

Cairns_and_Hinterland_Supports_for_Families_Flyer_Last_updated_18122023 _pdf 325.08 KB

Cairns and Hinterland Oral Health Services

Is it time for your children to have a dental check-up? Come and visit us at one of our dental facilities. Simply call 1300 300 850 to book an appointment for a FREE dental check-up. Appointments available at Clinics and Dental Vans across the Mossman and Cairns Districts.

Eligibility includes:
Children aged between 0-17
Current Medicare Card is required

For more information on Cairns and Hinterland Oral Health Services
Visit – https://www.health.qld.gov.au/cairns_hinterland/html/cairns_north_oral
Call today to find out how your friendly School Dental team can help

P&C Meetings: AGM

Thank you to those who attended our the BPC P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March. We are happy to report that our Executive Committee remains unchanged for the upcoming year. Thank you sincerely to Brooksy, Amanda, Taylor, Nerida, Fiona, Joanne, Ivana and Fiona for your ongoing committment to Bentley Park College!

Term 2 P&C meetings will be held Tuesday 11 May and Tuesday 10 June, 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.

Mother's Day

The P&C Mother's Day gift stall and 'Tea and Toast' breakfasts first began over 10 years ago and remain a highlight of the Primary calendar. This year, celebrations will be held in Week 3 of next term, culminating with the breakfast on Friday 9 May. We can't wait to see you there!

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/

Bentley Park Outside School Hours Care 

The Bentley Park Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care program is run by the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for Primary students. The OSHC facility is located on Bentley Park College grounds to the south, in the Primary Sector. 

PCYC Queensland is one of the state's largest providers of OSHC, with over 100 service locations. They provide care to more than 25,000 children at their 83 school-based and 20 club-based services, through their before school and after school and vacation care programs.

About Bentley Park OSHC

The facility boasts a large air conditioned centre, fully covered veranda, media room and a continuous supply of toys and activities to keep young minds active.

Fully qualified staff offer a variety of educational and stimulating activities for the children and have access to the College’s grounds, undercover areas, basketball courts, tennis courts and outdoor playgrounds.

The centre also provides daily healthy afternoon snacks for the children.

How to Enrol

• Register on Kidsoft Parent Portal, login and create a waitlist. 
• Once you have submitted your enrolment, you can make a permanent booking.
• The next time you are at Bentley Park OSHC, please sign the hard copy the service holds.

Please be aware that if your child has a medical condition management plan from their doctor, they may not be able to start until you have had a meeting with our Service Manager. At this meeting, we may need you to provide us with additional information so we can safely care for your child.

Eligible parents and carers may receive the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to assist with fees.  

Opening hours:
Morning care: 6.30 am - 9.00 am
After school care: 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Vacation and 'Student Free Day' care: 6.30 am - 6.00 pm

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative External link (SSBI) to provide free home internet until 31 December 2025 for up to 30,000 unconnected families across Australia with school aged students. The National Referral Centre (NRC) has been established to allow families to self-nominate for the SSBI and can also provide families assistance with nomination details and contacting and arranging a service provider if required.

To be eligible for the SSBI, a family must:

• have a child living at home that is enrolled in a Queensland school (Prep to Year 12)
• have no active broadband service over the NBN network. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility
• live in a premises that can access a standard NBN service
• not have had an active NBN connection during the previous 14 days
• have their suitability determined via an assessment conducted by the NRC.

To apply, families can directly contact the NRC or be referred by a participating nominating organisation - The Smith Family or the NRC .

Saver Plus

Could you use an extra $500 towards school costs in 2025? The Saver Plus Program is about boosting financial skills, to develop (and keep) good savings habits. 

You can put money towards education expenses including:

• Computers, laptops, and tablets
• Books, uniforms & shoes
• Sports & music, camps, excursions, and more…

If you save up to $50 a month for 10 months, Saver Plus will double it. $500 saved + $500 matched = $1000 (in 10 months).

Visit www.saverplus.org.au for more details.

Acknowledgement 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 Walubara Yidinji Bama. We continue to offer sincere respect to all First Nations People. 

The College recognises the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji connection to Country through caring for and maintaining Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be with us today and encourage us to carry our respect into the future.