Principal's News

Whilst the headline in The Courier might have read, ‘Role reversal as Ballarat High School students teach the teachers on diversity,’ the message was old news for the BHS community. Our vision for school improvement states that ‘we are a learning community where every person is valued, respected and challenged as a learner.’ It is important to note that there is no distinction between teachers, support staff, students and families in this, as we are all on this journey together and there is so much that we can learn from each other.

As Principal, I rely upon hearing from all voices as we work together to shape this school into a centre of inclusivity and diversity; academic, sporting and artistic excellence and growth; and a place where our community feels that they truly belong. Although it feels like I have been here for a lifetime (in the best possible way!), I am still learning and reflecting on how our students, staff and families experience their time at our school. We have an unique opportunity to make changes that create the best environment we can for our students and transform BHS from a good to a great school. What we want for all of our students is that they leave our school having fulfilled their potential and knowing that they were valued. No matter what goals we achieve, or progress we make, there will always be room for improvement and we can do this by continuously striving to be better than we were yesterday with the intention of being even better tomorrow. This means learning from our mistakes, recognising what needs improving and being brave enough to make the changes needed. 

Our students’ perception of our school matters and the work that the Year 11 student leaders have done in using the 2023 Student Attitude to School data as the starting point for positive change amplifies the voice of all students who took the survey. When our students speak, they need to be heard and their words acted on because, when we do, we stand with them to make this school a place where all students are valued for who they are and who they choose to be. 

• This means that every space within our community needs to be a safe space for all students. 
• This means that our cultural diversity is celebrated and all forms of racism are challenged head on.
• This means that LGBTQIA+ students feel included and valued through the language that we use and the language that we refuse to tolerate.
• This means that our students' voices shape the future of Ballarat High School. 

The psychological, emotional and physical safety of our students is our highest priority and as a school, we are determined to learn more and grow our understanding in response to what our students feed back to us.  As I write, our students are completing this survey once again and once again, we will act on what they tell us. Ballarat High School exists solely for our students and we have a duty to them to make this a school that they are proud to belong to and a place where they feel a deep connection to each other and their community. Research indicates the strong correlation between academic achievement, wellbeing and student behaviour: it is our duty, therefore, to teach our students the importance of kindness, belonging and empathy, so that together we create an environment in which all can learn and grow.

Stephan Fields

Principal