Mrs Kylie Cochran

College Principal

Last week, we were informed College Principal Mr Bruce Houghton will be taking on the role of Principal in Residence at FNQ Regional Office, leading a regional initiative with Cape York Schools. In this role, Bruce will be supporting schools and their Leadership Teams to develop Senior Schooling Strategies that provide positive engagement and transitions for all students. This role will extend through until the end of 2026.  On behalf of the College community, I would like to wish Bruce all the best in this new role.

I will continue in the role as Acting College Principal for the remainder of 2025 with possible extension into 2026.  I look forward to working with students, families and the College community throughout the year. I am also excited to continue to work collaboratively with staff and the College Leadership teams to advance the School Strategic Agenda for improved outcomes for all students at Bentley Park College.

Year 6 into 7 transitions

As part of our continued commitment to supporting a smooth and positive transition from primary to secondary school, Bentley Park College will once again host a series of Year 6 Transition Activity Days in 2025. These visits are designed to provide students from our partner primary schools with an engaging introduction to high school life, helping them feel more confident and excited about the next stage of their education.

The scheduled dates for this year’s visits are as follows:

• White Rock State School – Tuesday 3 June 2025 (Week 7)
• Hambledon State School – Tuesday 10 June 2025 (Week 8)
• Isabella State School – Thursday 26 June 2025 (Week 10)

Each visit will include a variety of hands-on curriculum activities run by our secondary teaching staff, with the aim of familiarising students with the high school environment, routines, and expectations. Students will be accompanied by their primary school teachers and supported by Bentley Park College staff throughout the day.

Further information, including parent/carer letters and timetables, will be provided to each school closer to their visit date. We look forward to welcoming the Year 6 students and helping them take this important step with confidence.

H2O Student Laptop Program 

Bentley Park College is thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new Hire to Own (H2O) Student Laptop Program. The Program offers eligible students with exclusive use of their own laptop through a flexible payment plan that leads to full ownership.

The H2O Program provides:

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

Under the H2O Program, the College purchases laptops and legally installs and manages essential software, damage protection, warranty and internet safety features. When the device is paid in full at the end of the agreement, the laptop is restored to factory settings and ownership transfers to the student.

More information is available in the H2O Charter on our website, including the Charter Agreement form and Financial Application.

National Volunteer Week

P&C Day is this Friday 23 May, which falls within National Volunteer Week. Thank you to our fantastic P&C volunteers and employees who provide the excellent services of the Uniform Shop, Primary Tuckshop and Secondary Canteen. They are also responsible for many of the extra touches that make College life special, such as the recent Mother’s Day breakfast, as well as coordinating senior shirts and jerseys. We appreciate all you do!

I presented some of our P&C with certificates and an Aussie lamington each this afternoon. Not all could attend due to work commitments, but we'll be sure to pass on their sweet treat!

Sports Training Precinct

The College met with Central Office Facilities recently to discuss the appointment of Project Managers for the development of the Sports Training Precinct. It is anticipated that we will be notified of this appointment in the next two weeks, with a further meeting to discuss developing planning guidelines to occur by the end of Term 2.  This is an exciting step in the project commencement and we will keep you informed as updates occur.

Edmonton Anzac Dawn Service

We commemorated Anzac Day at the Edmonton Dawn Service on the beautiful morning of Friday 25 April. Thank you to Mr Doug Belton from St Mary's Catholic College for organising the event; and Defence Force personnel, local school students and staff and community members for their involvement. Thank you also to staff who assisted with the set up and pack down. 

Our Secondary Band, conducted by Ms Alannah Bowen, performed a hymn and the national anthems; Year 10 student Jack sounded The Last Post and The Rouse; College Captain Jemma recited the commemorative poem. College Captains Harrison, Able and Kyan and Primary Captains Ella and Lily laid wreaths on behalf of Bentley Park College.

After the ceremony, students and staff marched to Fuller Sports to show their respects. We are grateful to have this moving ceremony in our local community each year to honour our Anzacs. 

Lest We Forget

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our Primary and Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews earlier this term. Attendance was good and parent/carers enjoyed the opportunity to meet their students’ teachers. Interviews will be held again in Semester 2.

College Jackets

Get your official BPC merch from the Uniform Shop now! Don't settle for a boring school jumper when you can buy a comfy, waterproof, stylish jacket that complements our unforms across Primary and Secondary.

The jackets are excellent quality and a worthwhile investment as they will last many years, and are available from the P&C Uniform Shop for $60 each.

The Uniform Shop is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.00 am to 10.30 am, or other times by appointment. Phone Andrea on 4045 4971 or 0413 286 123 for more information.

We strongly encourage students wear these new jackets on cooler days to help contribute to a unified, safe and supportive school environment

Mrs Sue Bow

Premier's Reading Challenge

We are delighted to invite our Primary students to join in the 2025 Premier's Reading Challenge!

It is not a competition, but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, which will continue until 22 August.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books
• Years 5 to 6 must read at least 15 books

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books. The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 216,000 children from around the state participate.

Reader record forms and an information letter was distributed to Year 3-6 students today, and will go home with P-2 students on Monday. Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form, will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

We look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge!

Primary School Photos

In Week 7 on Thursday 5 June, Primary will be holding our annual school photos. Photo envelopes will go home soon, or you have the option of ordering online.

Both individual and class photos will be taken. Please ensure your student wears their best, full school uniform on this day so to capture the best images of our students possible. 

Athletics Carnivals

Our P-2 and Year 3-6 Athletics Carnivals are coming up in Week 9 of this term. Students are encouraged to wear their sports house colours to the carnival, but please ensure they do not wear singlets. A great sun-safe option are our Sports House polo shirts, available at the Uniform Shop.

Primary Anzac Ceremony

The Primary Anzac Ceremony returned to the natural beauty outside on the hill this year after rain forced it inside last year. Student-made poppies decorated the hill, setting the scene to honour our service men and women on the 110th anniversary of Gallipoli.

Primary Captains Lily and Ella, First Nations Leaders Jacob and Zaretta, and Primary Leaders Amity, Lilly and Cooper hosted the event, with the Secondary Concert Band providing the soundtrack.

Secondary Army and Air Force Cadets added a special touch to the ceremony, led by Army Cadet Under Officer Kelly and Air Force Cadet Under Officer Byron.

Thank you to our student leaders, Secondary Concert Band conducted by Ms Alannah Bowen, soloist Jonathon and Mouakong for sounded The Last Post and the Rouse, and our Cadets and their leaders for the catafalque party and guard.

LEST WE FORGET

Primary Anzac Ceremony

Mother's Day

Thank you to our hardworking Bentley Park College P&C for organising another wonderful Mother's Day celebration in Primary in Week 3. Students were able to purchase gifts earlier in the week, and on Friday a special 'Tea and Toast' breakfast was held before school outside the library.

Students could have family photos taken, which were delivered to students in the afternoon. All proceeds of sales will go straight back to the College via P&C projects.

Primary Upcoming Events:

• Year 2 Planetarium Incursion
• ‘Too Cool for Bullies’ School Performance Tour: Tuesday 3 June
• Primary School Photos: Thursday 5 June
• P-2 Athletics Carnival: Thursday 19 June
• Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival: Friday 20 June
• Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod: 19 June – 4 July

Secondary Anzac Ceremonies

Senior Secondary Ceremony

Year 10, 11 and 12 students attended the first of our two Secondary Anzac Ceremonies in the Senior Stadium to honour our Anzacs, hosted by College Captains Jemma, Harrison, Able and Kyan, and First Nations Leaders Ebony and Justyce.

The Secondary Band, conducted by Ms Alannah Bowen, performed a hymn and the New Zealand and Australian national anthems, with Year 10 student Jack sounding The Last Post and the Rouse.

Secondary Army and Air Force Cadets formed the Catafalque party and guard, led by Army Cadet Under Officer Kelly.

Junior Secondary Ceremony

Year 7, 8 and 9 students attended the second of our Secondary Anzac ceremonies in the Senior Stadium. They joined together with hosts, Junior Secondary Captains Emma-Jean, Lily, Heidi and Ongai, to honour our Anzacs.

Our First Nations Leaders, Justyce and Ebony, delivered the Acknowledgement of Country and laid a wreath to honour the fallen. Army and Air Force Cadets formed the Catafalque party and guard, led by Air Force Cadet Under Officer Byron; and the Secondary Concert Band performed.

Year 10 student Jack again sounded The Last Post and the Rouse, and will do so again on Anzac Day tomorrow at the Edmonton Anzac Dawn Service.

Thank you to our student leaders, musicians and cadets for contributing to our very respectful Anzac commemorations.

Cadet Flag-raising Ceremony

A number of our Secondary students are Army or Air Force Cadets and contribute significantly to the College Anzac Day commemorations. The beautiful weather allowed the cadets to conduct a flag raising ceremony before school, and this year they also formed a catafalque party and guard at all three College ceremonies for the first time – Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary.

Their presence enriched the symbolism of our ceremonies and modelled how to show respect at such a solemn occasion as Anzac Day.

Thank you to our Army cadets Lochlan, Aeisha-Jayne, Tryton-John, Katrina, Rhys, Scott, Kitana, Sienna and Benjamin, Air Force cadet Samantha, and an extra-special thank you to the commanders – Army Cadet Under Officer Kelly and Air Force Cadet Under Officer Byron.

The cadets carried themselves in a very professional manner all day and were are a credit to their leaders – Army Captain Phil Jarman and Second Lieutenant Colin Gabbert; and Air Force Flight Lieutenant Ed Hayton - and we thank them for supporting our College Anzac commemorations.

LEST WE FORGET

Year 12 Formal

We are delighted to announce the theme of the 2025 Bentley Park College Year 12 Formal is Golden Hour, as voted by students. The Formal committee has been busy planning and organising decorations for this highly-anticipated event to be held on Friday 5September (Week 8 of Term 3) at the Hilton Cairns. More information will be distributed soon via a letter to parents/carers.

Program:

•   4.00 pm        Arrivals
•   5.50 pm         Group Photo at The Edge Terrace
•   6.15 pm        Guests to be seated in the Grand Ballroom
•   6.30 pm        Formal begins
  • College Principal, Year Coordinator and College Captain/Leaders Addresses
  • Buffet dinner and dessert
  • Photobooth, activities and dancing
• 10.00 pm       Event to conclude
• 10.30 pm        All guests to have departed

The key contact people during this time are: 

• Mr Leon Wilcox, Year 12 Coordinator
  • Email: lwilc34@eq.edu.au  Phone :  4040 8111
• Mr Stuart Hepburn, Head of Department Senior Secondary
  • Email: shepb6@eq.edu.au Phone :  4040 8111

Junior Secondary (Years 7-9)

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

With the term well underway and plenty of great learning happening across the College, I will share a few key updates and reminders to stay informed and prepared for our next five weeks

Students in laptop-based classes are required to bring a device each day to support their learning. If a student does not have a suitable device, class changes will be made at the end of term to ensure students are placed in the best classroom setting for them.

To assist students and families, we’ve introduced the Hire to Own (H2O) Laptop Program, which will replace our existing laptop hire scheme in entirety at the end of 2025. The H2O program offers students and families flexible payment plans, and the option to own the laptop at the end of the hire period. A full Charter and Handbook, including application forms are available at the College Administration Office or online. For enquiries, contact byod@bentleyparkcollege.eq.edu.au.

We are currently preparing for our 2026 Year 7 transitions, with feeder school visits for current Year 6 students occurring this term and opportunities later in the year for families to become more familiar with the College. Transition events help students feel confident and connected as they prepare for Secondary School.

As the weather cools, please ensure all students wear navy jumpers in line with our Uniform and Dress Code Policy. The P&C Uniform Shop also have their great water proof jackets available. Thank you for helping us maintain a strong sense of pride and belonging across the College.

We appreciate your continued support as we move toward a positive end to the term.

Year 7

Sam Keane
Year 7 Coordinator
skean4@eq.edu.au

During the first term, Year 7 students participated in a variety of enjoyable and engaging activities like the Junior Secondary Cup, showcasing teamwork and school spirit, as well as weekly challenges held within their form classes. These activities provided to be valuable opportunities for students to build connections, develop new skills, and foster a sense of healthy competition.

Congratulations to Class 7D for their outstanding performance and dedication, which earned them the Term 1 Challenge Shield. Well done to all students for their enthusiastic participation throughout the term.

In addition to these activities, Year 7 students also took part in the 'Get to Know You' Days' which provided further opportunities for building friendships and strengthening their sense of community. As part of this program, students participated in a range of engaging activities at the PCYC, followed by a sausage sizzle lunch.

To celebrate the end of a successful first term, the Year 7 cohort enjoyed a special excursion. They attended a screening of Minecraft at the cinema and then spent the afternoon at the Lagoon, where they shared pizza for lunch and enjoyed recreational time in the lagoon area. It was a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved.

The Year 7 leadership team - Caleb, Kaitlin, Remanu, Kyianna, Koby, Nzona, Mylarnee, Gabriella, Alayna, Oliver and Blaze - have been working diligently to enhance the Year 7 experience and support a smooth transition into Secondary school.

Caleb and Kaitlin were proudly selected to represent Year 7 on the Student Council. They have been actively participating in council meetings and responsibly reporting back to the rest of the leadership team, ensuring that student voices are heard and considered in school decisions. Their commitment and initiative are greatly appreciated.

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 Athletics Carnival: Friday 23 May
• Year 9 Maths Enrichment Day: Friday 23 May
• Bill Turner Trophy (girls Football): Monday 26 May
• White Rock State School Year 6 Transition Day: Tuesday 3 June
• Hambledon State School Year 6 into 7 transition day: Tuesday 10 June
• CISSA Sport Grand Finals: Wednesday 11 June
• Big Night Out: Wednesday 11 June
• Vicki Wilson Cup Netball: Friday 20 June
• QSITE FNQ RoboCup and Sumo Robotics Championships: Saturday 21 June
• Smithfield Fast 5s Football: Monday 23 June
• Isabella State School Year 6 into 7 transition day: Thursday 26 June
• Cowboys Challenge Rugby League: Wednesdays Term 2
• Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod: 19 June – 4 July

Peer Mentor Camp

The annual Peer Mentor Camp has become a part of BPC tradition, with selected Year 9 students travelling to Quinola Lakes on the Atherton Tablelands for three-days of intensive training and fun! The camp is the first step in their preparation to support the new cohort of Year 7 students transition into Secondary school the following year.

This year’s students were again a fantastic bunch and they had an incredible time building leadership skills, tackling challenges, and strengthening connections at camp in Week 2 of this term. From team activities to evening reflections, the camp was a fun and rewarding experience that brought everyone closer together and prepared them to be confident, compassionate peer mentors as 2026 Year 10 students.

Thank you to Year 9 Coordinator, Ms Birrell, as well as Miss S, Mr Sansness, and Ms Symons for their support on camp. Thank you also to the Year 10 and 11 Hospitality students, who attended the camp to provide catering for the group.

Uenomiya High School visit

Uenomiya High School students visited the College at the end of last term for whirlwind afternoon stopover. Together with their Bentley Buddies, the visitors enjoyed science experiments and a sports session, as well as a delicious afternoon tea catered by Hospitality students and staff.

Thank you to all involved in hosting the group, especially coordinator Mrs LeeAnne Senior. LeeAnne has done an excellent job hosting several groups over the past two years!

Yarns from Yaburu Bulmba 

The Yaburu Bulmba girls have jumped into this term with great attitudes and are ready to take on the next five weeks with open minds and positivity! The YB mentors, Ms Kristen, Ms Yasmin, Ms Waisie and Ms Siobhan, are engaging the girls in a wide variety of The Resilience Project (TRP) lessons that focus on social and emotional wellbeing, culture, leadership, design and creativity.

Yaburu Bulmba is looking forward to the many exciting things that the rest of the term will bring! We are currently focusing on Reconciliation Week, and yarning about what Reconciliation means to us. In Week 7, YB will be joining Trinity Bay State High School and Yarrabah State School for the Young Indigenous Women in Leadership event.

TRP

TRP Lessons are in Lesson 3 on Wednesdays. We all come together and use this time to strengthen and create relationships.

Week 1: TRP was all about getting to know each other, with activities and setting up for the term.

Week 2: The Year 7s enjoyed a Learning On Country day, and the Year 8s and 9s did Mother’s Day activities.

Week 3: The Year 8s and 9s took a self-defence lesson with Mr Paul.

Week 4: Mabo Week! The Year 8s went on a Learning on Country day, and the Year 7s and 9s did Mabo Day activities.

Week 5: Reconciliation Week activities that focused on Bridging Now to The Next and Walking Together.

Lunchtime activities

We have Lunch 1 activities happening every day except Wednesdays, with the schedule below. It’s been wonderful to see the girls coming in and participating!

Monday: Karaoke with Ms Waisie

Tuesday: Arts and crafts with Ms Siobhan

Thursday: Sports with Ms Yasmin

Friday: Resume building/midday movie with Ms Kristen

Breakfast Club

Miss Yasmin will be hosting Breakfast Club every Friday at 7.30 am. Come and join us in J Block for ham and cheese toasties. There will also be hot chocolate available now that the weather has cooled down.

Term 3 Camp

There will be two Yaburu Bulmba camps in Term 3. The Junior Camp (Years 7,8,9) will be 29 to 30 July, and the Senior Camp (Years 10, 11, 12) will be 12 to 13 August.

Camps are a fantastic way for YB girls to interact with each other and their mentors outside the school setting. They’re going to be great camps this year and we’re all very excited! Excursion Consent Forms will be sent out with students in the near future - please ensure that these are returned to their YB Mentor.

CIAF

Eight Yaburu Bulmba students have been selected to design runway dresses for the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF). The girls have been working hard on their designs and we are looking forward to seeing the dresses on the runway! The CIAF Fashion Performances will be on 10 and 11 July and tickets are available via the CIAF website.

General housekeeping

As always, please do not hesitate to contact any of the YB Mentors if there is anything that you would like to raise or discuss about a YB Student. Email addresses are below or please call J Block on 07 4040 8283.

Year 7: Ms Waisie: mailto:wnewm18@eq.edu.au

Year 8: Ms Siobhan: mailto:sderm0@eq.edu.au

Year 9: Ms Yasmin: mailto:ywill36@eq.edu.au

Year 10, 11, 12: Ms Kristen: mailto:kware57@eq.edu.au

Upcoming Citizenship Events:

• P&C Day: Friday 23 June
• ‘Too Cool for Bullies’ Primary School Performance Tour: Tuesday 3 June

Peries IGA

Proud sponsor of our Citizenship Pillar of Excellence

 
Yaburu Bulmba fashion design

Congratulations to the 7 Yaburu Bulmba students selected to design garments for this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair ‘CIAF ’25 Fashion Performances: Look & Listen’ as part of a guest collaboration with TAFE.

The girls met with Lynelle Flinders, director and curator of the Fashion Performances, at TAFE Queensland Cairns Campus recently last week, sharing their creativity, imagination and skills through their fashion designs.

Lynelle shared her knowledge and experience within the fashion industry and presented the girls with a lesson on weaving and creating their own stencils for screen printing onto different types of fabrics.

Shows will be held on Thursday 10 July and Friday 11 July at Tanks Arts Centre Precinct. For more information, please see the CIAF website.

Upcoming Arts Events:

• ‘Too Cool for Bullies’ Primary School Performance Tour: Tuesday 3 June
• Big Night Out: Wednesday 28 May
• Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod: 19 June - 4 July

Year 8 STEAM

Exciting times in Year 8 STEAM …

They just received their brand new VEX IQ robot sets, and the excitement is through the roof! 

Watch this space  to see the amazing, creative, and useful robots these young innovators will build by the end of the term.

We can't wait to share their journey with you! 

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

Congratulations Onyx!

ONYX has won the 2025 Secondary Athletics Carnival!

It's a back-to-back win for the red team, led today by Harrison and Kyan!! Well done to all students who participated today, and all the staff members who made the carnival happen. Look out for more photos on social media soon and in the next newsletter.

PIX4TEAM

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our Sports Academy - the PIX4TEAM Camera - a cutting-edge, AI-powered auto-tracking camera designed to capture every moment of our Rugby League, Netball, and Football games.

This innovative technology follows the play automatically, providing high-quality footage that allows our coaches to thoroughly review performances. It also creates exciting opportunities for students to reflect on their gameplay, understand team strategies, and work on improving their individual and collective performance.

At Bentley Park College, we are committed to providing our students with the best tools and experiences to support their athletic development and the PIX4TEAM Camera is a big step forward in achieving that goal.

Stay tuned for highlights and insights from our upcoming games!

Secondary Cross Country

Again, congratulations to the Arlington Marlins for taking out the Secondary Cross Country! It was the second carnival win for the blue team this year, with just the Athletics carnival to go this week!

After the competitive event, students enjoyed a slip and slide and colour run on the oval. For full results of all the interhouse sports carnivals so far in 2025, please see our last newsletter: https://bentleypc.schoolzineplus.com/enews?nid=51

TCS Cross Country

Secondary students had great success at the Trinity Coast South (TCS) Cross Country in Week 2, which served as the trials for the Peninsula Cross Country Championships.

Special congratulations to Allirah O. - 1^st place in 2013 girls, Tyler H. – 1^st place in the 2012 boys, Liam A. – 2^nd place in the 2011 boys and Hannah T. – 2^nd place in the 2008 girls.

Also making the TCS team were Daniel T, Daniel D, Noah C. and Xavier S. Thank you to St Mary’s Catholic College for hosting the event!

Peninsula Cross Country

The Peninsula Cross Country Championships were held in Yungaburra on Tuesday of Week 4. Congratulations to the BPC students who represented TCS!

BPC runner Tyler H. finished 6th and made the Peninsula team, with Hannah T. and Liam A. finishing 8^th and 10^th respectively in ‘shadow’ positions.

Congratulations also to runners  Noah C, Daniel D, Allirah O, Xavier S. and Daniel T.  for making the TCS team and competing in Yungaburra.

Representative Sport

Peninsula Basketball

Year 12 student Hannah T. consistently excels in her chosen sport - basketball. She represented the Peninsula U19 team at the Queensland Championships in Cairns recently, in the same week as also making Shadow for the Peninsula Cross Country team. Congratulations Hannah!

Queensland North Basketball

Year 10 student Kereama B. is off to Bendigo, Victoria, in July after his selection in the U16 Queensland North Boys State Basketball team! Congratulations and good luck on the court Kereama!

Peninsula Rugby League

Congratulations to Year 10 student Lillyana S, who was named player of the match for Peninsula in their win against Met West on the last day of the 15-16 Years Girls Rugby League State Championships recently. Well done also to BPC students Iva P. and Dacari J. were also in Peninsula Rugby League teams!

CISSA Sport

CISSA Sport has been in full swing throughout Terms 1 and 2, with our Senior Students showcasing their skills across six competitive sports: AFL, Netball, Touch Football, Football (Soccer), Volleyball, and Basketball.

Each Wednesday afternoon during Period 4, our teams go head-to-head with schools from across the Cairns region. Their dedication and teamwork have paid off, with the majority of matches resulting in strong wins.

The semi-finals will begin in Week 7, with the grand finals occurring in Week 8. Go Bentley Buliyirs!

Upcoming Sports Events:

• Secondary Athletics Carnival: Friday 23 May
• Bill Turner Trophy (girls Football): Monday 26 May
• CISSA Sport Grand Finals: Wednesday 11 June
• P-2 Athletics Carnival: Thursday 19 June
• Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival: Friday 20 June
• Vicki Wilson Cup: Friday 20 June
• Smithfield Fast 5s Football: Monday 23 June
• Cowboys Challenge Rugby League: Wednesdays Term 2

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

Good physical and mental health is vital for young people as they grow, develop, and learn. It’s important to tackle issues early and get the right help as soon as possible. Remind the young person in your life to speak with our school’s Youth Health Nurse if they have questions or concerns about health and wellbeing matters.

To make an appointment, they can email jmilb23@eq.edu.au or book with Ms Andrea or Ms Kerrie at G Block.

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

The next BPC P&C meeting with be hel on 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 celebrations

Thank you to the record crowd that attended our Mother's Day Tea and Toast this year, and supported our gift stall. We hope you enjoyed the event and your Mother's Day!

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.