Mrs Kylie Cochran

School Opinion Survey

Don’t miss your chance to provide feedback in the School Opinion Survey before it closes on 22 August. Parents, carers and students in selected year levels have been emailed a link to participate. Your responses are highly valued and will help to shape better learning environments. Find out more on the School Opinion Survey webpage or contact school administration.

Social media and the school community

At Bentley Park College we take our responsibility to maintain the health and safety of our students and staff very seriously.  This responsibility includes issues related to online choices and behaviours.

Participating in the online environment can be a positive experience, but there are also a broad range of concerns that may need to be considered, including online privacy and information protection, online etiquette, digital citizenship and knowing how to get help to deal with online issues.

As you may be aware, comments posted online about people and organisations may impact permanently on their digital reputation. This includes teachers, other staff, students and the school. There can be very real negative consequences from online posts – relationships between school staff, students and parents can be permanently damaged.

Facebook and other social networking sites are generally not private communities and, depending on an individual’s privacy and security settings, comments may be read by many people and remain online indefinitely. 

If you or your child are posting information online about the school, staff or students, I ask that you consider the ramifications of these comments on the school and any individuals in the school community. As a rule of thumb: 

• Public discussion is most effective when it is conducted in a polite and respectful manner.
• Before posting, it is important to consider whether those people you are posting about want information, including photos and comments regarding them and their children, posted on Facebook or on other sites. Perhaps ask the people involved in the post for permission before you publish something or tag someone online.
• Rather than airing complaints or grievances in a public forum like Facebook, come and talk to the school first about how to resolve your concerns.
• Remember that as a parent/carer you have a responsibility to supervise and regulate your own children’s online activities at home and their impact on the reputation and privacy of others.

For more information, please see the following links from the Queensland Department of Education: 

• Social media and the school community
• Cybersafety: Information for parents and carers  

If you have any concerns and would like to discuss further I invite you to make an appointment with me.

Student Free Day: Friday 5 September

A student free day is scheduled in Week 8 of this term on Friday 5 September. On this day across the College, staff will participate in professional development, QCE meetings and the Executive will have a 2025 planning day.

Presentation Night: Wednesday 19 November

The College's Presentation Night is our premier event of the year and will be held on Wednesday 19 November (Term 4, Week 7) at PCYC Edmonton. On this evening, we showcase the best of Bentley and celebrate the year. Awards on the night will include subject awards, special awards and Captains announcements.

Mrs Sue Bow

Week 6 is Children's Book Week

Ms Hayley and Mrs Berry have been busy preparing activities for next week's Book Week celebrations. The theme for Book Week this year is BOOK AN ADVENTURE, and our Library is decorated beautifully and ready for the week!

The Primary Library ready for Book Week

P-2 Book Week Parade

To celebrate the importance of reading, Bentley Park College will continue our tradition of hosting a combined Kindergarten, Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 Book Week Parade.

The Book Week Parade will take place on Thursday 21  August from 9.20 am until 10.00 am. Students will assemble with their teacher outside the Primary Library and then parade along the pathway to the Primary Sports Hall, when the main event will take place.  Students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite character from a book.

Before the parade, students will start school at the normal time of 8.45 am, and resume their regular daily timetable after the parade concludes at 10.00 am.

We look forward to your continued support of this exciting and enjoyable event that has become a valued tradition at Bentley Park College for our youngest students.

Other Book Week Activities

On Friday 22 August, our Year 3 to 6 students will enjoy our traditional Book Week rotational activities.  There will also activities in the Primary Library all week, which will include new games and puzzles, craft activities and brand new books to borrow. Year 12 students will also be dressing up and visiting classrooms to assist with activities and storytelling. 

Premier's Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge has been going for the past couple of months, with dozens of students making time to read the target of 20 books for P-4, and15 books for Years 5-6, with many exceeding it!

The Challenge continues until Friday 22 August, which is the last week of Book Week. Every student who completes the challenge and returns the completed record reader form will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the Premier.

Annabelle and Nina adding their name to the Premier's Reading Challenge display after finishing 20 books

Prep 2025 at Bentley Park College

Prep enrolments are now open for children who will turn five by 30 June 2026. Prep tours will be held each Tuesday from 9.00 am to 10.00 am from 29 July (Term 3, Week 3). Please contact us if you have any questions about Prep.

Primary Upcoming Events:

• K-2 Book Week Parade: Thursday 21 August
• Year 3-6 Book Week events: Friday 22 August
• P&C Father’s Day Gift Stall: 2-4 September
• Year 5 & 6 Reef Trip: Thursday 18 September
• P-2 Swimming: Term 4 Weeks 4-7
• Year 3-5 Swimming: Term 4 Weeks 7-9
• Year 6 Lagoon Trip: Monday 8 December
• Year 6 Celebration: Tuesday 9 December
• Year 6 into 7 Regional Transition Day: Wednesday 10 December
• Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival: Thursday 11 December

Mrs Rebekah Bidois 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am excited to introduce myself as the acting Head of School Secondary while Stuart Edwards is on well-deserved leave. I want to thank you for your warm welcome I’ve already received from staff, students, and members of the community.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting classrooms, speaking with students, and getting to know the dedicated staff who make this school such a special place. It’s clear that Bentley Park College is a vibrant, caring environment where students are supported and encouraged to succeed. I look forward to working with you into the future.

Parent/Carer communication

Thank you to our parents and carers who have attended events at the College recently - our Parent Teacher Interviews in Week 2; and our Year 7 2026 and Year 11 2026 Enrolment Information Sessions in Week 3. We hope you found the sessions helpful - please contact us if you require any further information or support. 

I also encourage you to consider signing up for QParents if you have not already. It a very convenient way for parents and carers to interact with the school through secure, online access to their child's student information. For example, with the many excursions in Secondary, QParents is an easy way to receive and respond electronically to Excursion Consent Forms. There is more information on our website, via the link below. 

Enrolment Information Sessions

Senior Secondary

Year 11 2026 Enrolment Interviews

During Terms 2 and 3 we have been focusing on preparing Year 10 students to transition into Year 11. This has included careers sessions, the Year 11 subject orientation day and our Year 11 2026 Enrolment Information Session.

The next stage in this process is for each student to attend a Year 11 Enrolment Interview with a parent/carer to go through their individual Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan and finalise their subject selections for Year 11 and 12. It is a requirement that parents/carers engage in this interview process with their student.

The Year 11 Enrolment Interviews will occur from Monday 18 August through to Friday 5 September between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm in the G Block Senior Hub.

To book an interview, please visit www.schoolinterviews.com.au/ and use the event code 5gnsw. If you do not have internet access, please contact 4040 8214 or 4040 8207 and our office staff will assist you with your booking over the phone.

More information is available in the Year 11 Enrolment Interviews is available at the link below. We look forward to meeting with you in the coming weeks and value your input into determining your student’s senior pathway.

Year 12 External Assessments

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) have released the external assessment timetable for General (ATAR) subjects for the Year 12 cohort. More information and external assessment dates and times for 2025 were distributed to students and families and are also available at the link below. The external assessment block will run from Monday 27 October to Friday 14 November.

Year 12 Formal

The Year 12 Golden Hour Formal is all set for Friday 5 September at the Hilton Cairns Hotel. We encourage REP-eligible students wishing to attend to purchase their tickets as soon as possible, with the cut-off being Monday 18 August at 3.45 pm.

Formal arrivals will be from 4.00 pm, with the Formal beginning at 6.00 pm and ending at 10.00 pm. Parents, carers, family and friends are welcome to stake out a vantage point outside the Hilton to view arrivals, which are usually very memorable. 

Junior Secondary

Tash Toohey
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary Student Services
ttooh7@eq.edu.au

Phones Away for the Day

It has been a fantastic term so far, with our Junior Secondary students actively engaging in their learning in the lead-up to assessment. This is a great time to ask them what they have learnt at school each day — not only does this help to reinforce new information, but it also shows them that you value and support their learning journey.

Bentley Park College follows the Queensland Department of Education’s Phones Away for the Day policy. This means that all mobile phones, smartwatches and other personal electronic devices must be switched off and out of sight from the moment students enter the school grounds until the end of the school day.

We understand that many families provide a phone for their child for safety and communication before and after school. However, during school hours, students should not be using their mobile phones for any reason unless they have an approved exemption.

If you need to contact your child during the day, please phone the College office on 4040 8111 and we will ensure the message is passed on. Similarly, if your child needs to contact you, they must do so via Student Services. Direct communication between parents/carers and students on personal devices during school hours is not permitted.

While most students follow these rules well, we are still spending time in conversations with students about phones being out in class or at break times. This takes away from valuable learning time and is something we want to address together. Your support at home in reinforcing this expectation will make a significant difference.

By keeping devices away for the day, we are helping to:

• maintain a strong focus on learning
• encourage face-to-face social interaction
• reduce distractions and potential for unsafe online activity
• promote student wellbeing and engagement.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in supporting a learning environment where students can focus on their education without the distractions that personal devices can bring.

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

We hope the shift to warmer weather brings a fresh energy into the second half of term. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!

H2O Program

As our classrooms continue transitioning to digital platforms, it’s important students have access to a reliable device. Visit the College website BYOD page for details on our Hire-to-own (H2O) program, which offers an affordable way to ensure every student is equipped for success. We continue to partner with regional and state initiatives to enhance our digital infrastructure and expand technology access across the College.

Uniforms

A reminder for families to adhere to the College's Uniform and Dress Code Policy. Students must wear closed-in shoes at all times, and only navy jumpers are permitted during cooler weather. Consistent uniform helps build a sense of belonging and pride.

 
Reading

A key focus for the year is reading, with all classrooms embedding practices aligned with the Science of Reading. This approach supports students to expand their existing literacy skills and develop them further. A central component of this work is word study, which deepens understanding of how language works through:

• semantic knowledge – vocabulary and word meanings
• morphology – meaningful word parts like prefixes and suffixes
• syntax – word order and parts of speech
• phonology – pronunciation and sound structure
• orthography – spelling patterns and rules.

These elements are being embedded across subject areas to strengthen reading and writing outcomes. You can support your child by encouraging regular reading at home and discussing new words and ideas together.

 
2026 Enrolments

Enrolments for 2026 are underway. We thank all families who recently attended our Year 6 2026 Enrolment Information Session, which was a great opportunity to connect and share information. If you haven’t already, please return your enrolment forms as soon as possible to assist with planning.

Transition activities are currently underway, with current BPC Year 6 students visiting the Secondary Sector on Wednesday afternoons for sessions to help support a smooth start next year.

Secondary Upcoming Events:

• Year 12 Formal: Friday 5 September
• Presentation Night: Wednesday 19 November
• Year 12 Graduation and Guard of Honour: Friday 21 November

Kindness Day

This week is the annual Bullying No Way: National week of action. At Bentley Park College, we celebrated with Kindness Day on Friday across the College.

In Secondary, students enjoyed a free sausage sizzle and shared kind messages on a kindness board. In Primary, students were also involved in various lunchtime activities, including gratitude rocks and connection bracelets.

Photos of Secondary activities below. Look out for the Primary photos on social media and in our next newsletter.

Secondary Kindness Day activities

BPC NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is an annual Australian celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

BPC celebrated NAIDOC in Week 4 with activities and a special parade in Primary run by our Primary First Nations Leaders, Zaretta and Jacob. There was face painting, themed colouring in, headdress craft, rock and sand art, mural painting, a story yarning circle, biscuit decorating, music, sports, dancing, a sausage sizzle and much more.

Thank you to the Bentley Park Clontarf Foundation, Yaburu Bulmba, Deadly Choices and singer Simone Stacey for helping out during the week.

We acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live, work and meet.

We celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to Country.

We honour the wisdom of, and pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

 NAIDOC Week

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Success Tickets are the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) rewards system at the Primary Sector. Students receive tickets based on positively displaying the five school rules:

• Be a learner
• Be respectful
• Be safe
• Be responsible for your behaviour
• Be in the right place at the right time

Students ‘bank’ their tickets and spend them on a Friday at Student Services. 25 tickets buys an icypole, 50 tickets gets a handball, and 75/100 can be spent in the Success Ticket shop. 

Ms Taylor at the Success Ticket window

Cairns Show Display

The Bentley Park College display in the Cairns Show non-competitive schools section has become tradition. This year, our theme was the Great Barrier Reef, to highlight BPC being a Reef Guardian School, and showcase beautiful undersea artwork created by students.

Our Term 2 'Reef Rangers' Enrichment @ Bentley students worked individually and in groups to explore and develop their knowledge on how they can help to protect the reef. Students then used their creativity to create projects to reflect their knowledge. 

Thank you to our Reef Guardian students, our P-2 Enrichment @ Bentley students and their Year 6 Mentors, and program facilitators and artists Mrs Darlene Hill and Ms Sam Chilton, who also created the display.

RACQ Streets Ahead Program

RACQ visited Primary recently to deliver their Streets Ahead program. It’s free to all Queensland primary schools and includes age-appropriate lessons on passenger, pedestrian, and bicycle safety.

World Scout Scarf Day

Did you know four of our staff members are also Scout leaders? Ms Holt, Ms Anderson and Mr Keane proudly donned their scarves today for World Scout Scarf Day! Mrs Wheatland is also a dedicated Scout leader in our community, serving as the regional commissioner!

Yarns from Yaburu Bulmba 

Term 3 has been an exciting time in Yaburu Bulmba! Miss Kaiya has joined YB as the new Transitions Mentor, bridging connections between primary students and school leavers. Miss Kaiya is a former YB student whose experience and love for the program will enrich and support the girls.

Junior Camp

Junior Camp was at Quinola Lakes in Malanda in Week 3. The girls had so much fun canoeing, swimming, playing spotlight and sitting around the campfire yarning and roasting marshmallows.

The girls participated in team building activities led by Miss Yasmin and Miss Waisie, made friendship bracelets and did other activities that helped strengthen their YB bond! The Junior Camp was so much fun and we hope that the girls loved it as much as we did!  

Positive Star Girls

Yaburu Bulmba is celebrating our girls who have positive behaviour and make good choices! Our Positive Star Girls board is filling up with girls who have been nominated by teachers or by a YB Mentor for positive behaviour. We believe that it’s so important to shine a light on our incredible girls who make the right choices and uphold the values of Bentley Park College and Yaburu Bulmba!

Learning on Country

For the Yaburu Bulmba girls in TRP this term, we are heading to Rainforestation in Kuranda on Wednesday of Week 9. Our Learning on Country days are a fantastic way for the YB girls and our Mentors to spend time together outside of J-Block, while immersing themselves in culture. Permission forms will be handed out shortly and they are due back Wednesday of Week 7.

TRP Lessons

TRP Lessons this term have focused on NAIDOC and team building. NAIDOC activities have included traditional weaving and yarning circles. The girls have been making earrings inspired by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, as well as weaving bracelets. Team building activities are proving to be a fun and interactive way for the girls to step outside their comfort zones and find new friendships with their YB Sisters.

What’s Happening at J-Block

The Kitchen is open Lunch 1 every day for breads and spreads, cold water and fruit. We also have a microwave available for girls to come and heat up their lunches from home.

There are activities every Lunch 1. We have a range of activities such as volleyball, arts and crafts, board games and assessment support. Come down to J-Block at Lunch 1 and get involved!

Term 3 in YB

The Yaburu Bulmba team:

YB Coordinator, Year 11/12 Mentor: Ms Kristen: kware57@eq.edu.au

Year 10 Mentor: Ms Nicola: ngaga0@eq.edu.au

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

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

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

Transition Mentor: Ms Kaiya: khart169@eq.edu.au

Upcoming Citizenship Events:

• Bullying No Way: National week of action: 11-15 August
• Yaburu Bulmba Senior Camp at Quinola Lakes: 12-14 August
• Bentley Originals Tour: Term 3, date to confirmed
• Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week: 1-5 September
• P&C Father’s Day Gift Stall: 2-4 September
• Year 12 Formal: Friday 5 September
• BPC P&C Meeting: Tuesday 14 October
• World Teachers’ Day Qld: Friday 24 October

Peries IGA

Proud sponsor of our Citizenship Pillar of Excellence

Cairns Junior Eisteddfod: Drama

Bentley Park College students were heavily involved in the Cairns Eisteddfod again this year in Music, Dance and Drama, as reported in our June eNewsletter.

With the Drama competition still in action during the school holidays, full Eisteddfod drama results are below, with stand-out performances by Year 12 student Johnathon T. and Year 9 student Taylor R, who both won major awards:

Johnathon:

• 1st place: Shakespeare Monologue
• 1st place: Senior Set Poem, 'Swans'
• 1st place: Myth Legend Original Poem/Yarn (personal writing) ‘Our World Today’
• Championship Trophy for set poem ‘Coal Fire’
• The Bird Family Shield for Most Outstanding Speech and Drama Student across all sections, Grades 3-12
• The Jem Bursary for Most Promising Performer, 13 years and over

Taylor:

• 1st place: Myth Legend Original Poem/Yarn
• 1st place: Senior Championship Set Poem
• 1st place: Impromptu Reading
• Highly Commended: Shakespeare Monologue
• Highly Commended: Poetry Recital
• The Sheryl Dunstan Trophy Speech & Drama Encouragement Award, Grades 7-12

Other results:

• Kassie – 2nd: Impromptu reading
• Jake and Lily - 3rd: Duologue
• Nye - Highly Commended: Poetry recital
• Year 7-9 Drama Troupe: Highly Commended

Congratulations students and drama teacher Mr Nash! And these are not just wonderful achievements, drama helps develop skills for life - resilience, confidence, public speaking, self-expression, memorisation and creativity!!

Cairns Show performances

Performing at the Cairns Show each year is a highlight of our Instrumental Music program. This year, around 100 students from Years 5 to 12 entertained an appreciative crowd at the Cairns Regional Council Community Stage on the Wednesday of Show week. 

The performances followed on from the Eisteddfod at the end of Term 2, and allowed the hard work to be celebrated and shared once more. Our Junior Band, Secondary Concert Band, Stage Band, Percussion Ensemble and Secondary Choir performed well and represented the College in an outstanding manner.

Thank you also to teachers Ms Pols, Ms Bowen, Ms Hosking, Miss Henson, Mrs Johnson and Mr Barbagallo. 

Mr Nash plays Lurch!

Drama teacher Mr Adam Nash recently played the role of Lurch in the Cairns Choral Society production of The Addams Family for a sold out season of 10 shows. He handled his role of many grumbles, groans and grunts with true embrace of the character, and was thoroughly entertaining.

Thank you and congratulations to Mr Nash for contributing to the local arts community, and bringing those experiences back to share in the classroom with our students. Photo courtesy of the Cairns Choral Society. 

Melbourne Band Tour

Our Secondary Concert Band have started gathering their winter woollies ahead of their tour to Melbourne from 29 August to 2 September, where they have secured a spot at the Victorian School Music Festival on Monday 1 September. See their website closer to the date for details of the live stream. 

The Band will also take in the Melbourne Youth Orchestra at Southbank, visit the Melbourne Zoo, and see the musical Annie at the Princess Theatre. We look forward to hearing about their tour in our next newsletter!

South Side Celebration

Hambledon House/Cairns South Together will be running their annual South Side Celebration at Ravizza Park on Friday 5 September, from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm. This year, some our Arts students will be performing!

This is a school student free day (and also the day of the Year 12 Formal), but if you want to see what some of our performance groups in Music, Drama and Dance have been working on - including new original music from a rock band in Year 11 - come along and support this great community event!

Southern Cluster Concert Band Camp

As part of our transition program, we will be hosting Year 4, 5 and 6 Instrumental Music students from Bentley Park College and local primary schools at the Southern Cluster Concert Band Camp on 12-13 September.

The camp will give the primary students the experience of working with different conductors and instrumentalists; allow them to perform in a larger ensemble; promote the transition to secondary school; and prepare them for the combined music concert 'Play On' in Term 4.

ENERGY Exhibition

The ENERGY Exhibition is an annual presentation of visual art produced by school students across the region. This free event will be held in Tank 4 at Tanks Arts Centre Edge Hill throughout the next school holidays.

The exhibition launch will be on the last day of Term 3, Friday 19 September, from 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm. It will include award presentations and entertainment by selected secondary school musicians to complement this outstanding evening of celebration of our visual arts students and teachers. 

After the launch, the ENERGY Exhibition will continue from Saturday 20 September through to Sunday 5 October. Times 9.00 am to 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Saturdays and Sundays. 

Queensland Symphony Orchestra 

A big shout out to College Captain and musician, Able L. In 2024, Able successfully applied for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) Compose program, where he worked on his composition skills and wrote a piece for QSO to perform. It was an outstanding effort from him and a wonderful piece created from this experience.

Now, in 2025, Cairns audiences will be able to see and hear Able's work performed in the program of the concert Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Classics in Cairns. The concert will be at CPAC at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 24 September and will include old favourites as well as striking works by emerging Australian composers from QSO Compose program. Tickets are available online.

How exciting, and congratulations Able on your achievements!

In conjunction with the QSO visit to Cairns, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Wednesday 24 September, there will be a workshop in composing music for the orchestra that Music students are invited to attend.

Students will have to make their own way to CPAC and register for the program through the link they are given. This is a fabulous chance to learn and is part of QSO Education program - and it’s free to attend! See Mrs Johnson if you’d like more information.

Understory High Film Festival

Media students are busy creating short films to enter in the upcoming Understory High Film Festival. A red carpet event and award ceremony will be held in on Friday 10 October from 7.00 pm at Tanks Arts Centre. We're looking forward to celebrating our student film makers!

Upcoming Arts Events:

• ‘It’s a Mad World’ School Performance Tour: Wednesday 20 August
• College Band Tour to Melbourne: 29 August to 2 September
• Southside Celebration Arts performances: Friday 5 September
• Southern Cluster Concert Band Camp: 12-13 September
• ENERGY Exhibition: Launch - Friday 19 September; Exhibition continues 19 September to 5 October
• Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Cairns: Wednesday 24 September
• Understory High Screening & Awards Presentation: Friday 10 October
• 'Play On' Instrumental Music concert: Wednesday 12 November

Year 9 STEM

Year 9 STEM have had some fun building robotic arms in class this term. The aim is for the arms to be able to pick up and move items. Students are looking forward to having a little competition to see which ones work best.

Year 9s building Robotic arms

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. 

H2O Student Laptop Program 

The Bentley Park College Student Hire to Own (H2O) Laptop Program provides eligible students with exclusive use of their own laptop through a flexible payment plan that leads to full ownership. 

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

Upcoming Technology Events:

• Robotics Club: Friday afternoons, 3.15 pm to 3.45 pm

Seniors vs Staff Sports Series

The Teachers absolutely dominated the Seniors in Round 1 of the Teachers v Seniors Sports Series, crushing them with a dominant first set on the volleyball court. Mr Sauvage was the MVP with his clean serves, and Mr Ferreira proved to be the X-Factor, displaying his trademark flair. 

Round 2 was Ultimate Disc, with the Teachers again exerting their dominance with an 8-2 victory. Round 3 will be Basketball in Week 7. With some star Senior basketball players, the match-up will be hotly contested!

Seniors vs Staff 

Sports Academy

Fowler's Cup Secondary Netball Carnival

BPC was a strong presence at the Fowler's Cup Secondary Netball Carnival at Martyn Street in Week 3, with both a Year 8 and Year 7 girls' team in attendance, alongside our first boys Netball team! Congratulations to all students involved in a fun-filled day of Netball!!

Coming up next will be the Marlin Coast Fowler's Cup Primary Netball Carnival on Friday 22 August. Good luck players!

Junior Secondary boys and girls Netball teams

FNQ School Futsal

Congratulations to our 16 years boys Futsal team, winning their final against Mareeba State High School in the 2025 FNQ School Futsal Titles at Redlynch Central Sports Stadium. Well done also to our 18 years girls team, runners up in their final against Cairns State High School. BPC's 12 years boys finished top of their pool but were knocked out in the quarter-finals, and 18 years boys also competed. 

The Titles welcomed over 1200 students from local Primary and Secondary schools and was held over two weeks recently. Thank you to the Stadium for hosting this great annual competition, and well done to all players and coaches.

Rugby League Northern 9s

Bentley Park College Year 7 Rugby League boys won the Northern 9s competition in absolute style – undefeated and winning every game by five tries or more! A powerhouse performance from start to finish. Shoutout to standout players Vance, Edmund, Liam and Kaynen – unstoppable on the field! Proud is an understatement. Congratulations also to coach, Mr Jared Allen.

Our Year 10 Rugby League girls also had plenty to smile about after winning their division of the Rugby League Northern 9s last month. Well done girls and coach Ms Emma Simpson.

Queensland Rugby League Championships

In the last school holidays, two Year 7 students represented Peninsula at the Queensland Rugby League Championships. Congratulations to Liam K, who was named player of the match in their win against Met East; and Zanndra T, who was named player of the match in their game against the Sunshine Coast. U12 is a mixed boys and girls division, so for Zanndra to be named player of the match is an extra-special achievement! 

Liam and Zanndra

Queensland Country Rugby Union

Kingston, Yessie, Seth and Jack had a wonderful campaign in Townsville during the school holidays, representing FNQ in the Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships! Congrats boys!!

TCS Track and Field

27 athletes across Primary and Secondary qualified for the Trinity Coast South Track and Field team recently, and will now compete at the Peninsula Trials on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August. Stand-out performers were age champions Tahsiana M. and Beryl T, and second age champions Harlen D. and Allirah O.

A huge shout-out to the BPC student volunteers that assisted on the day, and also HPE staff, especially teacher Tegan Rogers who convened the two-day carnival.

Good luck to the TCS team at the Peninsula trials!

TCS Age Champions and volunteers

Athletics Carnivals

Recapping our Age Champion results from our 2025 Primary and Secondary Athletics carnivals. Full results and photo galleries from our three days of sporting action is available in our June eNewsletter and social media. 

3-6 Age Champions

Upcoming Sports Events:

• FQ Futsal Tournament: 18-20 August
• Girls Rugby League Competition: 20 & 27 August
• Marlin Coast Fowler's Cup Primary Netball Carnival: Friday 22 August
• Volleyball Friendly matches vs Woree State High School: 22 August
• FNQ Secondary Schoolboys Rugby Union 9s: Friday 12 September
• Townsville Opens Rugby League Trip: 17-18 September
• Junior Secondary Interschool Sport begins: Wednesdays, Term 3
• Year 8 Rugby League competition begins: Wednesdays, Term 3
• Bentley Sevens Rugby League, Netball and Football: 16-17 October
• Sports Awards Evening: Tuesday 21 October

Northern Wheel Aligners: Proud Gold Sponsor of the Sports Academy

QParents

QParents is a user-friendly protal (accessable via app or web browser), that provides parents/carers with secure online access to information about their child's schooling.  Please view our website at the link below for more details:

Next Step Survey

The Department of Education is keen to hear from Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school during 2024, before completing Year 12.  

Eligible students will shortly receive a letter with a personalised link to complete a 5-minute survey. Students may also be contacted by email or phone and have the chance to win an iPad Air for participating.

The results will help us improve learning experiences and supports for future students. We ask that parents and carers please encourage them to take part.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

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.

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. 

Parentline

Parentline service supporting parents and carers

Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.

If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.

Parentline’s services include:

• practical parenting resources on their website
• live webchat with professional counsellors
• phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)
• the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor
• online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support
• referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed. 

Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information today, or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.

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

There will be one BPC P&C meeting in Term 3, on Tuesday 19 August, with the final two meetings of the year in Term 4 on Tuesday 14 October and Tuesday 25 November. Meetings begin at 7.00 pm and go for approximately one hour, and are held in the Primary Library 'Fishbowl' conference room. 

We encourage new and returning parents and carers to attend our meetings 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.

Father's Day gift stall

Our annual gift staff stall will soon be in action for Primary students to purchase small Father's Day gifts. It will be set up in Week 8 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 September from 8.00 am to 8.45 am outside the Primary Tuckshop.

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 

Welcome to Fun Squad Bentley Park! We are so excited for you to be part of our Seriously Fun family.

PCYC Queensland's Fun Squad is the biggest provider of outside school hours experiences in Queensland. We know that fun fuels minds, and that's why we take it seriously.  Our child-centric approach and fun, educational program is complemented by our highly experienced team of Educators.

Our Fun Squad is designed to ensure children are happy, healthy, thriving and having some serious fun.

Your child will be supported to thrive through fun, engaging activities that fire up their curiosity, enhance their wellbeing and boost their resilience and confidence. 

Fun Squad and PCYC Queensland

PCYC Queensland is a trusted organisation. We have experience and research behind us, and children and young people are at the centre of all we do. 

Our 750-person strong Fun Squad teams are backed by 1,529 PCYC Queensland Business Partners, Sport and Rec and Youth and Community Program team members as well as, 2,700 volunteers and the Queensland Police Service. We are strong and well-supported.

Before School Fun sets up young brains and bodies for the day of learning ahead. Early morning is a key time to set the tone for a great day, through engaging activities, sports, and games. Get the feel-good vibes in early!

After School Fun is the perfect way to top off a great day of learning, with options of mindfulness and chill-out activities – or more vigorous activities to burn off that energy. Regardless of what kind of day your child has had, and what they need to round off the day – our Educators will ensure their needs are met.

Holiday Fun is all about making the most of those longer days with friends and creating fun, memorable experiences – what childhood is all about.

Interested in joining up with the Fun Squad? Find all the details about enrolment, pricing and more on our website.  

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.