Friday 25th September, 2026

From Mr Bolan's Desk

As a Principal, there are moments when you step back and feel incredibly proud of your school. Our recently received 2026 NAPLAN results have provided one of those moments for me. NAPLAN is only one measure of a child's learning. It cannot measure character, kindness, faith, creativity, perseverance or the many other qualities we value deeply at BCS, and a school should never be reduced to a set of test results.

But when assessment data confirms what we see happening in classrooms every day, it is worth pausing to celebrate. Our 2026 Year 3 and Year 5 students achieved school average results above the national average, the Western Australian average and the SCEA average in every NAPLAN domain assessed; this included Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Spelling, and Grammar and Punctuation. That is an outstanding achievement.

A strong picture across the curriculum

Reading was an exceptional area of strength. Our Year 3 Reading average was 32 points above the national average and 44 points above the WA average, with more than three quarters of students achieving within the Strong or Exceeding proficiency levels. By Year 5, our Reading average was 35 points above the national average and 43 points above the WA average, with 90.5% of students achieving Strong or Exceeding and no students identified as requiring additional support.

There were significant strengths elsewhere too. In Year 3, 85.7% of students achieved Strong or Exceeding in Writing. Our Year 5 students recorded particularly strong outcomes in Reading, Numeracy and Spelling. Most importantly, the strength was broad rather than isolated; in both Year 3 and Year 5, the BCS mean sat above the national, WA and SCEA means in all five assessed domains. The graph below provides a simple picture of that achievement.

Teachers who know their students

For me, however, the most important question is what sits behind these results. Results like these do not happen by accident. They represent years of work by teachers and education assistants across our school, not simply the teachers working with Years 3 and 5 this year. Every staff member who has helped a child learn their sounds, read their first sentence, discover the joy of a great book, understand place value, construct a paragraph, wrestle with a difficult problem or believe that they are capable of succeeding has contributed to this story.

I see the work our staff put in behind the scenes. I see teachers analysing learning, adjusting programs, supporting students who need something different, extending those who are ready for more, collaborating with colleagues and continually asking, “How can we help this child take their next step?” That is what I believe these results really celebrate; they reflect great teaching and also celebrate our students, whose effort, persistence and growth are represented in these results.

High expectations and individual care belong together

One of the things I love about BCS is that we refuse to see academic excellence and pastoral care as competing priorities. We want children to be known, valued and loved, to experience a community shaped by our Christian faith, and to develop character, curiosity, compassion and a desire to serve others. We also want them to learn exceptionally well. Our 2026 results give us confidence that these things can, and do, belong together.

We saw another wonderful expression of this only a few weeks ago at our Learning Journey evening, when classrooms and learning spaces were opened to families and the learning of our students was on display. NAPLAN gives us one valuable snapshot; the Learning Journey offered a much richer picture of the everyday learning, creativity, growth and achievement taking place across the school. It was a chance for students to share what they had been learning and for families to see something of the care, intentionality and expertise our staff bring to their work each day.

Academic achievement is not about creating unnecessary pressure or comparing one child with another. It is about recognising the potential God has placed within every child and creating the conditions in which they can flourish. That means having high expectations, excellent teaching and the right support around each learner.

Celebrating without becoming complacent

Being proud of these results does not mean believing we have arrived. Good schools celebrate their strengths, and great schools remain curious about where they can improve. Our analysis has already identified areas where we want to do more, particularly around strengthening writing as students move through the primary years. While our Year 5 Writing average remained above the national, WA and SCEA averages, there is an opportunity to accelerate growth further.

That excites me because we do not use data simply to say, “Look how well we have done.” We use it to ask, “What can we learn, and how can we become even better for our students?” That commitment to continual improvement is an important part of who we are.

Why I wouldn’t have my children anywhere else for their Primary education

I have the privilege of seeing this school from a perspective that most parents do not. I see the conversations in staff meetings, teachers discussing individual students, and the preparation, professional learning, collaboration, reflection, prayer and care that happen beyond the classroom. I also see how seriously our staff take the privilege of educating the children entrusted to us. It is why I can say something very personally; as both an educator and a parent within the school, I genuinely would not want my own children anywhere else.

Not simply because our students have achieved excellent NAPLAN results, but because I know the people behind those results. I know the teachers who will encourage a child when learning is difficult, challenge them when they are capable of more, notice when something isn't quite right, celebrate their progress and continue looking for ways to help them flourish. Academic excellence matters here; however, the child matters more than the score.

So, while we rightly celebrate some exceptional 2026 NAPLAN results, I am most proud of what those results represent; dedicated teachers, hardworking students, supportive families and a school community committed to helping every child become all that God has created them to be.

As we come to the end of another incredible term, I also want to thank our staff, students and families for the part each of you plays in making BCS such a special community. To our staff, thank you for the extraordinary work, care and commitment you bring each day. To our students, well done for the way you have continued to learn, grow and contribute throughout the term. And to our families, thank you for your partnership, encouragement and for trusting us with the enormous privilege of educating your children.

As the holidays begin, my prayer is that every member of our BCS community enjoys a safe and restful break, with time to slow down, spend time with those you love and return refreshed for Term 4. Students return to school on Tuesday 13 October. Our staff will be together on Monday 12 October to analyse student learning data and begin planning the areas of focus and improvement that will help shape our work in 2027. It is fitting that the term ends as this article began; we celebrate what has been achieved while continuing to ask how we can become even better for every student.

There is much to celebrate at BCS, and there is even more to look forward to.

Michael Bolan
Principal

Calendar Dates

September

Friday 25: End of Term 3

October

Monday 12: Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 13: Start of Term 4
Wednesday 14: Inter-House Jumps & Throws
Friday 16: Inter-House Athletics Carnival
Monday 19 - Friday 23: Pre-Primary to Year 2 Swimming Lessons 
Thursday 29: Kindergarten Orientation Evening

Please note that these dates are subject to change. Any changes will be notified in advance.

Compassion Day

What a wonderful way to conclude Term 3! Our school community came together to celebrate our annual Compassion Day, with students, families and staff enjoying a day filled with connection, generosity and community spirit.

Compassion Day is a special opportunity for Beechboro Christian School to support the important work of Compassion Australia and their ongoing efforts to assist children and families around the world. In the lead-up to the event, students spent time in their classrooms learning about the children we sponsor, discussing the impact of compassion and generosity, and gaining a deeper understanding of how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

A meaningful part of these preparations involved students writing letters to our sponsored children. Through these letters, students were able to share encouragement, ask questions and build connections with children from different communities and cultures. This experience helps our students develop empathy, gratitude and an appreciation for the blessings they enjoy each day.

Compassion Day continues to be a much-loved tradition within our school community. It provides an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate the values that are important to us and support a cause that extends far beyond our school grounds. The day was filled with enthusiasm, generosity and a shared commitment to helping others.

More photos from Compassion Day will be available on the BCS Social Media channels and website in the coming days!

Year 5 & 6 Incursion: Kanyana Wildlife

Our Year 5 and 6 students recently enjoyed an engaging and educational incursion with Kanyana Wildlife, providing a unique opportunity to connect with some of Australia's remarkable native animals and deepen their understanding of local wildlife conservation.

During the session, students were introduced to a variety of native species and learned about their habitats, behaviours and the important role they play in Australia's ecosystems. The interactive presentation allowed students to observe the animals up close, creating an exciting and memorable learning experience that sparked curiosity and encouraged thoughtful discussion.

The incursion also highlighted the vital work carried out by wildlife carers and conservation organisations in protecting and rehabilitating native animals. Students gained a greater appreciation for the challenges facing Australian wildlife and explored practical ways they can help care for the environment in their everyday lives.

Experiences such as this bring classroom learning to life and inspire students to become informed and responsible stewards of the natural world. It was wonderful to see our Year 5 and 6 students so engaged throughout the presentation, asking insightful questions and demonstrating a genuine interest in wildlife and conservation.

Miss Prinsloo, Mr Chan and Miss Pattinson
Year 5 & 6 Teachers

You can view more photos from the incursion on the school website through the link below: 

Year 6 Camp

Despite the cold and rain in week 7, our Year 6 students embraced every challenge camp threw their way! From the commando course, kayaking and rock climbing to abseiling and the Treetops Adventures, they showed plenty of courage, perseverance and teamwork - and especially enjoyed taking aim at the teachers during some very competitive Archery Tag!

But there was one extra challenge running throughout camp - Love in Action. Students were challenged to look for the good in each of their classmates, anonymously leaving affirmations and words of encouragement for one another throughout camp. It was wonderful to see students intentionally noticing the strengths, character and CHARIS qualities in one another and choosing to build each other up. 

Camp was about more than conquering heights and trying new things - it was about showing courage, strengthening friendships and putting Love in Action.

Miss Pattinson
Year 6 Teacher

Pre-Primary Excursion: Perth Zoo

Our Pre-Primary students recently enjoyed a wonderful excursion to Perth Zoo, where they had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of animals and their habitats while connecting their classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Throughout the day, students observed animals from around the world, learning about their unique characteristics, behaviours and environments. They were excited to see many of the animals they had previously discussed in class and eagerly shared their knowledge with teachers and classmates.

Experiences such as this help bring learning to life, encouraging students to make meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them. The day also supported the development of important social skills as students practised listening, following instructions and representing our school with pride.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity and excellent behaviour displayed by our Pre-Primary students throughout the excursion. It was a memorable day of discovery, learning and adventure, and we look forward to building on these experiences in the classroom.

Mrs Gramkow and Miss Jayawardene
Pre-Primary Teachers

Click the link below to view some more photos from the excursion:

Kindergarten Excursion: The Art Gallery of Western Australia

Our Kindergarten students recently embarked on an exciting excursion to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where they immersed themselves in a world of colour, creativity and imagination.

The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for students to explore a diverse collection of artworks and discover how artists use colour, shape and different techniques to communicate ideas and tell stories. As they moved through the gallery, students enthusiastically observed, discussed and responded to the artworks they encountered, demonstrating curiosity and thoughtful engagement.

This enriching experience connected closely with their classroom learning, where students have been studying the works of renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. Seeing artwork displayed in a professional gallery setting helped bring their learning to life and encouraged a deeper appreciation for the creative arts.

A special highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to participate in their own fashion show. Using bright colours, interesting textures and plenty of imagination, students confidently paraded down the catwalk for parents, caregivers and staff, proudly showcasing their creativity and artistic expression. It was a wonderful celebration of the ideas and inspiration they had gathered throughout their learning.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Kindergarten students represented the school and embraced every opportunity to learn, explore and create throughout the excursion. Experiences such as these help nurture confidence, creativity and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Mrs Bode, Mrs Luca, Mrs Posthuma and Miss Gabrielson
Kindergarten Teachers

Learning Journey Evening

This term we had the pleasure of inviting families and friends along for our annual Learning Journey Evening. The night was a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase all they have learnt and for our parents to experience their child’s excitement  about all the work they have done over the year.

The evening also gave our students the opportunity to see what is possibly in store for them in future years at BCS while they walked through classrooms to see all the work their older peers had completed over the course of this year also.

We were also excited to once again have staff members from Ellenbrook Christian College and Swan Christian College come along to speak with our families about the different pathways they offer for Secondary School.

Our Learning Journey Evening was a wonderful celebration of our vibrant school community and the strong partnership between home and school. We thank all our families and staff who continue to help our students thrive and achieve their best.  We will forever be proud of our students and how they strive every day to improve and be the best that they can be.  

You can view more images from the evening on the school website!

Book Week at BCS

Book Week was a vibrant and exciting celebration of reading, creativity and imagination at Beechboro Christian School this term. Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to engage in a range of activities that highlighted the joy of books and encouraged a lifelong love of reading.

Our celebrations began with a colourful Book Week dress-up day, where students and staff showcased their creativity through an impressive array of costumes. From Willy Wonka and dinosaurs to samurais and superheroes, the school was transformed into a wonderful collection of characters from beloved stories. The enthusiasm and effort displayed by our school community made the day a memorable celebration of the worlds we can discover through books.

A highlight of the week for our Year One students was a visit from one of our much-loved Tree Folk friends, Dolly. Dolly spent time with them and they were delighted to reconnect with a familiar visitor from their Early Learning days. During her visit, Dolly spoke about the importance of reading, the value of kindness, and how we can be gracious winners while showing care and respect to those around us. Her visit was both engaging and meaningful, leaving students with important lessons to reflect upon.

As part of our Book Week activities, students in Years 2 to 6 were also fortunate to meet award-winning children’s book illustrator Mel Pearce. Mel provided a fascinating insight into the creative process behind the books No! Never! and How to Get Rid of a Princess, sharing storyboards, original artwork and the journey from manuscript to finished illustration.

Each of our students were inspired as they learnt about the work that goes into creating a picture book and each individual illustration, with our students particularly enjoying the opportunity Mel gave them to develop their own princess illustrations. One of the most valuable messages that Mel shared was that there is no such thing as a perfect drawing, every artist brings their own unique ideas and style to their work. This encouragement helped students embrace creativity and have confidence in their own artistic abilities. 

Book Week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the power of storytelling and the important role that books play in inspiring imagination, creativity and learning. We thank all the staff, students and special guests who helped make the week such a memorable experience, and we look forward to continuing to foster a love of reading throughout our school community.

You can see more about Book Week this year on the school website! 

Year 1 Excursion: Perth Hills Discovery Centre

Year 1 had a wonderful day exploring the Perth Hills Discovery Centre! With beautiful weather and a stunning bushland setting, the students had the opportunity to become real-life nature detectives. They enjoyed a bush scavenger hunt, analysed animal scat, searched for invertebrates using microscopes and got up close to some very special Australian wildlife.

The students were thrilled to meet critically endangered Black Cockatoos and a critically endangered Ringtail Possum – who knew that roses and plain biscuits were such favourites! They also had the chance to meet a kangaroo joey and an echidna who clearly loved to sunbake.

Throughout the day, students learnt about the importance of caring for our bushland and leaving nature exactly as we found it – taking nothing away but our knowledge, appreciation and care for Country. It was a fun-filled day of discovery, learning and getting up close with some amazing Australian wildlife!

Miss Gidman and Mrs Le Count
Year 1 Teachers

More photos from the excursion can be viewed on the schools website! 

Merit Certificate Recipients

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students who earned a merit certificate over the last few weeks. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have truly paid off, and we are immensely proud of your achievements.

Each of you has demonstrated remarkable effort and perseverance, and your success inspires your peers. Keep striving for greatness in the future!

Photos from the assembly can be viewed on our Social Media pages which you can visit via the links below. 

Camp Australia

More information can be found in regards to Camp Australia's before and after school care via the link below! 

Their Rocketeers program will be running again this school holidays! Check out the action packed adventures they have planned below:

Useful Links

A school of the SWAN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION