The 27-year career for Mr Paul Beacham at Southern Hills drew to a close at end of Term 1, with the school farewelling the longtime teacher, administrator and leader with a rousing assembly complete with former students and staff speaking highly of Mr Beacham’s integrity and fortitude over many years at the Bedfordale campus.
At the final Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meeting that Mr Beacham attended, a symbolic baton was passed from Mr Beacham to the incoming Principal, Mr Brett Costin, who now ‘takes the reins’ at Southern Hills.
Mr Costin is already making himself known in the community down in the southern suburbs of Perth, having purchased a house after recently moving to Perth from Brisbane.
He is visiting local churches and learning the names of staff and students as he familiarises himself with life in Western Australia.
When Mr Costin arrived in Perth, he undertook several weeks of induction with the SCEA Head Office, visiting other SCEA schools and meeting with other SCEA leaders.
During this time, Southern Hills was fortunate to have the services of Acting Principal Mr Rod McNeill on call, as he led assemblies and ensured that the running of the school’s day-to-day operations was maintained.
Southern Hills is currently waiting on Development Approval (DA) for its new Performing Arts Centre, and SCEA News will continue to monitor this situation as the Bedfordale school seeks to expand its offerings in music, drama and the creative arts.