Across the Principal's Desk

Pictured Above: Principal, Karl Shier with the new Labour Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett

Our ‘Student Awards’ Assembly was a highlight of this week!  It was an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our students across the first semester of the year. We had several categories for the awards. The first of these acknowledged the top performing students, ‘Outstanding Achievement for Application to their Studies’ and this was based on the Semester One Reports. Only a handful of students at each year level received this award. The second set of awards were the ‘Recognition Awards’ and these were presented to students for participation, effort and/or contribution to the school (and our broader community). We found that many of these students were also achieving at a very high academic level. The final set of certificates presented were ‘Achievement Awards’ which identified students who achieved excellence and very high-level results. We also celebrated students with exemplary attendance and encourage all students to strive to be at school every day that they possibly can. However, we do understand the challenges that have been faced this year by students and staff. 

We were pleased to have a number of special guests with us at the assembly. Jenna Oldaker, who is a Wadawurrung artist, joined us on the day. She completed artworks we have used recently around the school. When our new buildings were being designed by an architect, I always had the vision of them being adorned with designs that would celebrate First Nations Culture. We have taken elements of Jenna’s artwork and used each individually to create a striking design.  We also welcomed Jenna’s mother, Wadawurrung Elder and traditional owner, Joy Oldaker. Recently, Joy represented Wadawurrung on a global stage when she attended the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony in Birmingham. For the first time ever, the flag was handed to the traditional owners of the land, recognising and acknowledging all First Nations People. We congratulate Joy on this amazing achievement.

We were also pleased to have representatives from ACCIONA present as guests at our assembly. Over the past few years, ACCIONA has generously sponsored a range of projects here at Beaufort Secondary College, including our mosaics, the metal sculptures, some of the hallway murals and, most recently, the building artworks and Acknowledgement of Country Poster. For ACCIONA to see the potential in us and to understand our goals, demonstrates a commitment to community for which we are extremely grateful.

The ‘Student Awards’ Assembly was a very clear example of our Key Focus areas of Respectful Relationships, High Expectations and Excellence in action. Congratulation to all students who received awards at the assembly – they should be very proud of their achievements. I really encourage all students to aim to be walking across the stage next time.