Principal's Report

International Women’s Day 

On Thursday we celebrated International Women’s Day, recognising the incredible contributions of women in shaping our education system and leading the way for future generations. Women have played a massive role in education, driving innovation, fostering inclusive learning environments, and ensuring that our students have the support and opportunities to thrive. 

Thursday morning before school 8 of our female leaders including our three school captains Ruby Elshout, Elly Wilde and Ruby Chapman had the privilege of attending the Soroptimist International Women Leaders’ Breakfast at Kardinia Park. This event brought together inspiring women from various fields, reinforcing the importance of leadership, equality, and empowerment. 

At school, our student leadership team has been proactive in promoting gender equality, spearheading a range of initiatives to highlight the significance of IWD. Their efforts culminated in a celebratory morning tea in the library, where staff and students came together to acknowledge the achievements of women and reflect on the ongoing journey towards equity. 

It’s fantastic to see our students embracing this important occasion, ensuring that conversations around equality continue well beyond just one day. 

Term 1 Key Dates: 

To help everyone plan, here are the key dates for Term 1: 

• Monday 9 March – Labour Day Public Holiday 
• Wednesday 11 March – NAPLAN Testing begins for Yr 7 & 9 Students 
• Tuesday 17 March – 2027 Year 7 BHS Open Night 
• Wednesday 25 March – 2027 Year 7 SEALP Information Session  
• Tuesday 31 March – Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews (12:00pm–7:00pm) - no classes

• Thursday 2 April – BHS Fun Run / End of Term 1 

   

Geelong Schools Swimming Carnival 

Congratulations to our swim team for an outstanding performance at last Friday’s GSSSA Swimming Carnival, taking out the Grand Aggregate! Along with the grand aggregate we also brought home the: 

• Girls Aggregate 
• Senior Girls 
• Senior Boys 
• Boys Aggregate 

Well done to all our swimmers, and a big thank you to Brit O’Regan for her work behind the scenes to support the team! 

NAPLAN 

The NAPLAN testing window opens on Wednesday 11th March. All year 7 & 9 students will sit the 4 separate tests over the following 3 school days. There will be a provision for catch-ups to occur over the following week. The NAPLAN testing helps us form a picture of where students sit academically in both their literacy and numeracy and this forms part of our analysis to ensure we are targeting students at their point of need. 

Energy Drinks on School Grounds 

Next week we will be communicating with students about an important change regarding drinks brought onto the Belmont High School site. From this point forward, energy drinks will not be permitted at school. 

This decision has been made following growing concerns around the impact that energy drinks can have on young people. Many of these products contain very high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can contribute to issues such as increased heart rate, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep patterns and reduced overall wellbeing. 

As a school, our priority is to support healthy habits that allow students to engage fully in their learning. Students are encouraged to bring water or other appropriate drinks that support hydration and wellbeing throughout the day. 

Students will be informed that if energy drinks are brought onto the school site they will be confiscated and disposed of. This approach is not about punishment but rather reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students. 

We appreciate the support of families as we implement this change and encourage conversations at home about making healthy choices. 

🚌 Geelong Bus Review – Speak Up  

The review of buses across Geelong, the Bellarine & Bannockburn is open now.  

Do you have concerns about limited services for your child travelling to school — including Belmont High? 

This is an opportunity to inform the government if you have current concerns for the bus routes and how they service the students of BHS.  Have your say before 12 April:  https://engage.vic.gov.au/Geelong-Bus 

2026 Open Night Session 

Although we are only just settling into 2026, planning for 2027 is already well underway. Over the coming months, we have a range of opportunities for prospective families to learn more about Belmont High School, including our Open Night, SEALP (Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program) and small group tours. These events provide valuable insights into our programs, culture, and the many opportunities available to students. 

For those interested, you can find more details on the school website BHS Website and book via the links below: 

🔹 Open Night bookings: Click here

 🔹 Small group tours: Click here

🔹SEALP 2027 Information Session: Click here  

We look forward to welcoming future students and their families as they begin their journey with us! 

Safe Travel to and from School 

A reminder to all students and families about the importance of safe travel to and from school. Students who ride bikes or scooters to Belmont High School must ensure they do so responsibly and follow all road safety rules. This includes always wearing a helmet, being aware of traffic conditions, and riding courteously around pedestrians, particularly in busy areas around the school. 

We have recently had some near misses, so we ask students to take extra care and ensure they are using safe and appropriate routes when travelling to and from school. The safety of our students is always our highest priority, and we appreciate the support of families in reinforcing these expectations. 

Joshua Baker 

Principal