Welcome back to Term 4! I trust that each of you had a restful break and are ready for the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I want to take a moment speak to our Year 12 group and their families as they embark on their final part of their schooling.

As you enter your final two weeks of classes, I want to encourage you to make the most of this time. It’s an opportunity to consolidate your learning, ask questions, and fine-tune your understanding before heading into exams. Remember, your teachers and the school are here as a resource and support network to ensure you achieve the results you deserve. Stay focused, keep pushing, and take advantage of the guidance available to you. You’ve come this far—finish strong!

As communicated at the end of Term 3, Term 4 is shaping up to be a very busy term. Some of the major events include:

Monday October 7th – First Day of Term 4
Wednesday October 16th - Spring Concert (Geelong West town Hall)
Monday October 21st - Arts and Technologies Exhibition (BHS)
Wednesday October 23rd – Geelong Cup Public Holiday
Thursday November 14th – Year 11 Formal (Ukrainian Community Hall)
Monday November 25th – Year 12 Graduation Night – (Presidents Room, GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park)
Tuesday November 26th – Staff Common PP Day (No students)
Wednesday November 27th - 29th - Year 10 Exams
2nd – 6th December – Year 10 moving to Year 11 2025, Early Commencement Program
25th Nov – 6th Dec – Year 11 moving to Year 12 2025, Early Commencement Program
Monday 9th December – Year 7, 8 & 9 Step Up Program Starts
10th & 11th December – Grade 6 Orientation
Tuesday 10th December – No Year 7 students required at school
Wednesday 11th December – No Year 8 students required at school
Thursday 12th December – Picnic Day
Friday 13th December – Adventure Park, Year 12 results published
Monday 16th December – End of year activities, Awards Ceremony practice
Tuesday December 17th - Student Awards Ceremony (BHS Gym)

Staffing Update

We welcome several staff back after extended leave over Terms 2 & 3. Re-joining from the start of term 4 are:

Chris Thompson
Darren Lynch
Rosie Simon

Simon Thorley will be on leave for the whole of Term 4. We have made the following appointments in his absence:

Jazz Fisher joins us to teach in the Health and Maths areas
Jayne Soden will be taking the reigns as Green House Leader

School Saving Bonus

In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus. The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks. The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025. Actions for parents and carers before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to:

Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025 or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. For more information, read about Enrolling in School.
Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us. You can check this information by contacting us directly.

We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:

in October, to verify your email address
in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus.

Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.

As always don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Josh Baker

Principal

VCE News and Key Dates