Principal's Report
It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of a wonderful and eventful first term of the 2025 school year and what a term it has been.
Congratulations to all students for their effort and hard work throughout the term, especially the Year 7 and 9 students who recently participated in the NAPLAN testing.
The student progress conferences provided a great opportunity for students to discuss and celebrate their progress and achievements with their teachers and parents and to reflect on areas that may require further attention.
Well done to all the students who have participated in the extensive sports program throughout the term, which continues to attract record numbers of students and teams that represent our school with pride and excellence.
The transition program for our Year 7 students was in full swing with students participating in workshops across the term around building relationships and resilience.
The students also worked with the Wellbeing Team, who discussed the extensive wellbeing program available to them. Early next term, the Year 7 students will be enjoying the transition camp activities with their peers and teachers.
Well done to the new student leadership team who embody our school values and are outstanding ambassadors and role models. This was evident at the whole school assembly, Swimming and Athletics Carnivals and in particular during the House Performing Arts Festival where they organised and conducted the rehearsals as well as supported and mentored the younger students.
The Blackburn High School music program is in full swing with an increase in the number of students participating in the ensembles and instrumental music lessons. The school community has been entertained during the lunchtime concerts that have been performed by a range of ensembles. Mr Ziino and the music teachers are working diligently to prepare the students for the US Tour to New York in May to play at the Essential Ellington Festival at the Lincoln Centre. Also, in May the much anticipated camp to Mt Gambier for the Generations in Jazz Festival will include approximately 60 students and 7 staff.
Congratulations to our Robotics Team who recently participated in the National Robotics competition in Sydney where there were both national and international teams represented. Thank you to the parents, Ms Love and Mr Metheringham for providing the students with support and encouragement. Students and staff are very excited about the upcoming Central Australia Tour that will be held in April. They will experience ancient landscapes and engage in first nations cultural and sustainable programs.
The departmental school review which is conducted every four years was held on 4, 6, 7 and 11 March and will inform the key directions for the next 2025-2028 School Strategic Plan. Throughout the review process, the panel conducted extensive classroom observations as well as focus group discussions with both students and teachers.
We continued to enjoy multiple fully booked school tours a week this term, with prospective families and students flocking to see the school, which is a testament to the school’s positive culture of high expectations and achievement.
On behalf of the Principal Team, Mr Conte, Dr Hartley and Ms Jenner, we wish all students, staff and families a happy Easter and a safe Autumn break. We look forward to seeing everyone back for the start of Term 2 on Tuesday 22 April.
Joanna Alexander
Principal