Principal Update

Message from the Principal

Celebrating Agency, Belonging and Innovation at Balmoral

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This week has been one of celebration and inspiration at Balmoral State High School, with our students demonstrating the very best of our school values — Agency, Belonging, and Innovation.

We proudly hosted our first-ever Global Competence Workshop, where students explored real-world issues that matter deeply to them and their peers. At the conclusion of the workshop, students presented their insights directly to the Executive Leadership Team — a powerful demonstration of their agency in action.

Students raised thought-provoking topics including:

• The need to address discrimination experienced by minority groups.
• Challenging sexism within sport.
• Strengthening opportunities for connection and belonging, including more seating to support friendship groups at lunchtime.
• Promoting awareness around health issues such as the impacts of vaping.
• Improved cultural connection and standing tall in your unique culture and history. 

These authentic conversations highlight the courage and thoughtfulness of our young people. They are determined to create positive change in their community and are committed to working with us to generate solutions. 

We will continue to support them as they develop strategies, raise awareness, and inform our leadership team of the next steps. As principal this is the work is so important as it helps to improve our culture of belonging and connection to ensure all students can thrive and be inspired to achieve their own personal form of excellence. 

This week we also celebrated the much-loved tradition of Book Week. Our library and English faculty delivered another engaging program of activities, with the highlight once again being our “dress up as something you are not” event. The creativity, humour, and imagination of our students and staff made for a memorable day, with some truly outstanding costumes and characters on display.

Book Week is always a special celebration at Balmoral because reading is central to lifelong learning. It enriches personal growth, sharpens critical awareness, and is a fundamental life skill. We are proud to continue investing in diverse and meaningful reading opportunities for our students, from novels and fiction to biographies and contemporary non-fiction. My thanks to Nick Howard and our dedicated English staff for their leadership in making this year’s Book Week such a success.

This has truly been a week that reflects who we are as a school community — students leading with voice and vision, and a culture that values belonging, curiosity, and creativity.

Regards,

Timothy Barraud

Principal – Balmoral State High School