Principal Update
Message from the Principal
Engagement, Reflection, and Leadership in Action
This week, I had the privilege of attending an educational workshop with Dr Amy Berry, a leading researcher in the field of student engagement. I was invited by Amy to share the story of Balmoral’s Engagement Accelerator initiative with colleagues from across the Department, where our work was featured front and centre as a case study of schools leading engagement innovation in Queensland.
As a key panellist, I had the opportunity to speak about the impact this work is having in our classrooms — particularly how it supports student agency in learning and empowers students to take ownership of their own level of engagement within a lesson, task, or learning experience.
Throughout her presentation, Amy reinforced the importance of learning partnerships, reminding us that students, teachers, and parents all act as learning partners in helping each other make sense of, and manage, complex and challenging learning opportunities that often extend beyond the classroom.
In our discussion, Amy also highlighted the value of self-reflection, noting that engagement is best viewed as a continuum. As learners, we are constantly shifting along that continuum in response to our environment, the task, and the level of challenge before us.
This week, we also began filming a new Engagement Accelerator video that captures the voices and reflections of students and staff behind this work. My sincere thanks to everyone who shared their insights and experiences to help tell the story of how learning continues to evolve at Balmoral.
Looking ahead, I am hopeful that Amy will join us as part of a Balmoral podcast series later this term to further discuss the research and impact of engagement on our school’s learning culture.
Celebrating Our Year 12s
Congratulations to all our Year 12 students who have entered their final week and days of their external exams. This marks a significant milestone in their educational journey, and we are incredibly proud of the focus, commitment, and perseverance they have shown.
Next week will be a special one as we move into enrichment days and farewell events that honour their contribution to the school and celebrate their journey as graduating Balmoral students.
Student Leadership Reflections
Next week, our incoming and outgoing student leaders will join me in a leadership reflection series, where we will explore the courage to lead, the courage to learn, and how authentic leadership continues to shape Balmoral’s culture of belonging and connection.
Our leaders will share key insights about what has worked well for them, as well as the lessons they have learned in leading large and diverse teams for impact and outcomes across the school.
Uniform Advisory Reference Group
Thank you to the students, staff, and parents who participated in this week’s Uniform Advisory Reference Group meetings. There was strong and positive feedback from all stakeholders regarding the transition to black enclosed leather-style shoes, which has been well received by the student body.
We will continue to review the additional elements raised through this process to ensure our uniform continues to reflect our school’s legacy, pride, and identity — values that have been a cornerstone of the Balmoral community for over 60 years.
Balmoral continues to be a school where engagement, leadership, and belonging shape every learning experience. Thank you to all who continue to contribute to this shared journey of growth and transformation.
Regards,
Timothy Barraud
Principal