Mr Paul Beacham | Celebrating 25 Years of Service

On Monday 24 July 2023, all staff across the Swan Christian Education Association (SCEA) gathered at Swan Christian College to equip themselves for Semester 2. During this special gathering, the Association took the opportunity to honour and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of staff members with 20 years service and above. Among these remarkable individuals, one stands out for his unwavering devotion to Southern Hills Christian College – Mr Paul Beacham (25 Years of Service).

Mr Paul Beacham has spent a large part of his life invested in the Armadale community. He was enrolled as a student at Emmaus Christian College (later Armadale Christian College) and moved to Swan Christian College to complete his high school education. In his final year of qualifying as a teacher (1997), armed with a passion for teaching, he commenced his professional career at Armadale Christian College with Limited Authority. Initially he taught in the Design and Technology fields of Metalwork, Woodwork, Automotive and Photography.  Over the years, his expertise expanded to include Computer Technology, Aquaculture and Building and Construction, complemented by his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.  As a talented teacher at a small school, Mr Beacham took on diverse subjects, such as ATAR Media Production Analysis and Woodwork.

For Mr Beacham, teaching has always been more than just a focus on subject knowledge and skills. He has always been involved in activities that extend the teacher-student relationship. One of these activities is camps. What started as year group camps, to build the school ethos, evolved into missionary camps within Western Australia. This led to international service learning camps that extended to six other SCEA and non-SCEA schools.

Throughout his extended tenure at Armadale Christian College and later Southern Hills Christian College, Mr Beacham has fulfilled a number of management roles including VET Coordinator, Pastoral Care Coordinator and Deputy Principal.

Mr Beacham was appointed to the role of Principal of Southern Hills early in 2017, when the College enrolment had fallen to below 200 students.  His exceptional leadership qualities and ability to unite the staff and community has led to significant growth in enrolments, surpassing the 500-student mark for the first time. This momentous achievement prompted plans for six new classrooms at the Bedfordale site, which will be the first large-scale capital improvement since the Building Education Revolution (BER) funding of 2008.

Admidst the winds of change, Mr Beacham has remained a constant pillar of strength for the College, steadfastly supporting it through two name changes.  He is well-known for his work ethic, genuine care for students and staff, and unwavering commitment to Christian education earning him widespread admiration. His exceptional management of mission trips to the Philippines touched countless lives, leaving an imprint of compassion and empathy.

As we congratulate and celebrate Mr Paul Beacham’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that true leaders are those who inspire, empower and leave a lasting legacy. His dedication to education and SHCC has been nothing short of exemplary. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Mr Beacham for his continuity in shaping young minds and fostering a brighter future for generations to come.

Dr Tony Buti MLA Visits Southern Hills

Dr Tony Buti MLA visits Southern Hills Christian College to celebrate all-time high in enrolments

 

Southern Hills Christian College is delighted to announce a significant milestone as our student enrolments surpassed the remarkable threshold of 500 on 28 June 2023. The esteemed presence of Dr Tony Buti, MLA and Minister of Education and Aboriginal Affairs, added to the joyous occasion as he graced the campus to engage with the College leaders.

Mr Paul Beacham warmly welcomed the young daughter of former student Jamie Mellor, as the 500th enrolled student. Additionally, the distinguished group comprising  Dr Darnelle Pretorius (College Principal – Swan Christian College), Mrs Laurelle Coto (Head of Primary – Southern Hills Christian College), Dr Gregg Weaver (Chief Education Officer – SCEA) and Dr Graeme Cross (Chief Executive Officer – SCEA) extended their greetings to Education Minister Dr Tony Buti MLA as he visited the College.

Dr Tony Buti MLA, the Member for Armadale, holds the notable portfolios of Education and Aboriginal Affairs. His presence at Southern Hills Christian College offered a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions with educational leaders regarding the requirements of students and the effective structuring of learning spaces to foster enhanced educational experiences for all young individuals in Western Australia.

 

Pictured in the photograph from left to right: Dr Graeme Cross (Chief Executive Officer – SCEA), Mrs Laurelle Coto (Head of Primary – Southern Hills Christian College), Dr Darnelle Pretorius (College Principal – Swan Christian College), Dr Tony Buti MLA, Mr Jamie Mellor and children, Mr Paul Beacham (College Principal – Southern Hills Christian College), and Dr Gregg Weaver (Chief Education Officer – SCEA).

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: A Journey of
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award offers young individuals a transformative and enriching experience that opens doors to endless possibilities. This renowned program, recognised globally, empowers participants with invaluable skills and life-changing experiences, fostering resilience, confidence, and an indomitable spirit of adventure that will leave an incredible mark on their lives.

Undertaking the Award is no easy feat; it demands unwavering commitment and dedication over a significant period of time. To attain the Bronze Award, students are required to engage in activities across four key Sections, ensuring a well-rounded development:

  • Voluntary Service
  • Physical Recreation
  • Skills
  • Adventurous Journey

On Tuesday 6 June 2023, during the Secondary Assembly, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of two outstanding students: Ethan Simmons (Year 10) and Ky Morrison (Year 11). Both Ethan and Ky demonstrated extraordinary commitment, perseverance and dedication, leading them to be awarded the prestigious Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ethan and Ky for their exceptional hard work and unwavering dedication, setting an inspiring example for their peers and future participants.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award serves as a testament to the incredible potential within each young individual, igniting a lifelong journey of personal growth, self-discovery and a boundless spirit of adventure.

We applaud Ethan and Ky, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing their continued growth and accomplishments as they venture forth, equipped with the invaluable experiences and skills gained through this extraordinary program.

Harmony Day 2023

On Tuesday 21 March 2023, Primary School students showcased their support for Harmony Week by coming to school dressed in traditional clothes from their cultural background or dressed in the colour orange to represent ‘harmony’.

This year’s theme for Harmony Week was “Everyone Belongs”, which aims to bring people together and foster a sense of community.

Harmony Week was first introduced in 1999 and has been a significant celebration in Australia, emphasising the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.

The Harmony Week celebrations, while a joyful occasion, also serves to raise awareness about the harms of discrimination and the need for inclusivity. By promoting a sense of togetherness and mutual respect, Harmony Week helps foster a more inclusive and welcoming community.

Here are a few photos from the 2023 Harmony Day:

Easter and ANZAC Day Assembly

On Thursday 6 April, our College gathered as a school community to commemorate two important events in our history, Easter and ANZAC Day.

Mrs Coto, Head of Primary, opened the assembly with a warm welcome to parents, students and staff. She stated, “Easter is a time where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a time for reflection and renewal, and for many people, it is also a time to spend with family and loved ones.”

Mrs Coto shared the gospel of Luke 24:6, “He is not here: He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again”.

During this time, we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and we celebrate the hope and joy that comes with His resurrection.

Trey (Y7) presented us with an Acknowledgement of Country, which was followed by prayer for the assembly from our College Chaplain, Mrs Hasluck.

The Worship Band led us in the song “King of Kings” prior to students turning their attention to the screens for a short video on the Easter story.

Our Year 12 Student Leader, Zachary, shared the following Bible reading:

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:9-17

Lucy and Evana from Year 6 read out the In Flanders Field poem. which was followed by the laying of wreaths. While the wreaths were being laid (Mr Prinsloo and the Senior Cadets laid the first wreath, Mr Beacham with the School Captains laid the second and Mr Dalton, school parent, laid the third wreath), the College Music Teacher, Mrs Sykes sang “How Deep The Fathers Love for Us” and the hymn “Abide with Me”.

Our Year 12 Student Leader, Eloise read ‘The Ode’ as follows :

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condem.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

The Last Post was played, followed by the rouse and the National Anthem.

A huge thank you to all the parents, carers and guardians who joined us on this special occasion

Southern Hills students commended for their support at Christmas

The College recently received a congratulatory letter from the Armadale District of the Department of Communities, thanking the College for its help in aiding the fundraising drive and providing gift cards for the Christmas 2022 season.

The Department of Communities supports those in our community who experience:

  • homelessness,
  • mental health challenges,
  • disabilities,
  • early-term pregnancies,
  • Centrelink issues, and
  • Unemployment issues

Thanks to the efforts of a number of staff and students at the College, 49 gifts were presented to these young people in need!

Special thanks to Jacob Sciarrone (Year 10) for his contribution to this work. A number of the young recipients acknowledged their heartfelt thanks and gratitude, with some mentioning that this gift was their ‘first or only Christmas present they had received.’

Please convey a HUGE THANK YOU to Jacob Sciarrone, his mother Lisa, staff and students for their acts of kindness, providing hope and love to the 49 young people who received their gifts.

One of our SPIRIT values at the College is ‘Relational’, and we believe that this sort of outpouring is all part of the Southern Hills character-building process.

Well done, team!