Principal Update
Message from the Principal
As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding start to the year across our school community and, in particular, the exceptional impact already being demonstrated by our 2026 Student Leadership Team.
This week I had the pleasure of welcoming over 60 parent, carer and community representatives’ guests for our 2026 Leadership Investiture Ceremony. It formally recognised the students elected by their peers to serve our community and to lead through our shared values of Agency, Belonging and Innovation. These values are not simply words — they are lived expectations, and our student leaders have embraced them with maturity and purpose.
It has been tremendous to connect with our new leaders over recent weeks as we have begun driving meaningful impact together. Through structured leadership workshops and planning sessions, we have focused on strengthening student voice, shaping positive school culture, and identifying practical actions that will improve the everyday experience of students at Balmoral. The level of insight, care and ambition shown by this group has been impressive.
Our 2026 student leadership team have been busy engaged with Griffith University for an extended leadership course focusing on supporting student capability to lead for impact and lead as they set their sights on the first ever Student Summit forum facilaied by the students in the final week of this term.
This is a leadership reflection from Rebecca Howard, Vice-Captain after the student training this week, we had the opportunity to work with Ryan from Griffith University to explore emotional intelligence and its role in leadership. We completed the STEU (emotional understanding) and STEM (emotional management) assessments, which helped us identify our strengths and areas for improvement. By analysing our results, we developed strategies to further strengthen these skills and enhance our effectiveness as leaders.
Leadership impact is already evident. Our student leaders have initiated conversations around inclusion, school spirit, wellbeing initiatives, and student-led events that build belonging across year levels. They understand that leadership is not about position, but about influence — and that influence is measured by how effectively they elevate others.
We also reflected on the example set by former Vice Captain Jayden Wetzig, whose commitment to community service and citizenship continues to shape the standard of leadership at our school. His legacy reminds us that authentic leadership is grounded in service, humility and consistent action — a standard our current leaders are striving to uphold.
What has been most encouraging is the way our leaders are thinking beyond themselves. They are considering the legacy they wish to leave and the culture they want younger students to inherit. Improving student-led culture requires courage, collaboration and a willingness to listen deeply to peers — and this team has demonstrated all three.
As we move into the second half of the term, I look forward to seeing their ideas come to life across assemblies, student forums and community initiatives. When students are empowered with agency, feel a genuine sense of belonging, and are encouraged to innovate, the impact on engagement and learning is significant.
Thank you to our staff who continue to mentor and support these young leaders, and to our families who encourage their children to step forward in service of others. Together, we are building a culture where leadership is shared, purposeful and focused on improving outcomes for every learner.
Regards,
Timothy Barraud
Principal
School Captain Esteban's Speech
In this inspiring speech, one of our new School Captains reflects on their journey from being a “straight C student” to a motivated and passionate leader.
They shared how cruising through school left them feeling unfulfilled, until the challenges of Year 11 made them rethink their priorities. Realising that marks, relationships and hobbies truly mattered, they chose to take life seriously.
By joining advocacy groups, learning an instrument and surrounding themselves with supportive people, they discovered that success isn’t about perfect grades, but passion and authenticity.
His message to students was clear: don’t waste your time at school, start now and pursue what truly matters to you.