Message from the Deputy

At Balmoral State High School, “Connection before Correction” reflects our belief that strong relationships create the conditions for students to respond positively to guidance, expectations and support. Connection does not replace accountability; it helps young people understand that correction comes from a shared commitment to their learning, wellbeing and success.

Families are essential partners in this work. Please notify the school when your child will be absent and let us know early about anything affecting their readiness to learn, including laptop difficulties, uniform concerns or other personal circumstances. Early communication allows us to connect students with the right support before a small issue becomes a barrier to attendance or engagement.

Each morning, students should arrive ready for learning, complete any required uniform correction and attend Home Group or their weekly briefing parade on time, by 8:45am. These morning sessions help students remain informed about; room changes, upcoming events and daily notices published through Compass. They also build House spirit and provide opportunities to earn House Points.

Tunstall currently leads the Home Group attendance challenge for Term 3 with 1,900 points, followed by Coffey on 1,526, Toyne on 1,160 and Wilson on 1,072. There is still plenty of time for students to contribute through participation, positive behaviour and engagement.

Our whole-school attendance average this week was 87%—five percentage points below our 92% target. Students are expected to be at school, in class during class time and “on time, every time”. Regular attendance includes remaining in the correct learning area for the full lesson. Every missed lesson reduces continuity, connection and opportunities for success.

Students also share responsibility for keeping our school safe. We encourage them to report inappropriate, unsafe or concerning behaviour immediately, particularly in bathrooms. They can speak directly with a trusted staff member or use Stymie to make a safe, anonymous notification. Urgent concerns should always be reported directly to staff. Stymie supports early intervention by giving students a way to speak up when they have witnessed or experienced harm.

This focus connects closely with The Resilience Project and its principles of gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy. Thank you to the families who joined Tuesday night’s Digital Wellbeing for Families webinar. Key messages included reflecting honestly on family screen habits, creating intentional screen-free time, modelling balanced device use and setting practical boundaries without relying on screen-shaming or blanket bans. The aim is to make technology work for family connection and wellbeing, rather than against it.

The recording link appears later in this newsletter and will remain available for approximately one month.

Thank you for helping us keep students connected, informed, safe and ready to learn.

Kellie Baumgart

Deputy Principal