Student Agency in their Learning - Focus on Investing

A reminder that at Balmoral we are working to support students to build engagement in their own learning. We talk to students about, Participating, Investing, Driving and Innovating by unpacking the levels of engagement students are bringing to their learning. Last Bulletin we looked at participating which then shifts to investing.

Investing indicates a student is engaging in the lesson by asking questions. While this may sound easy, many students are unsure about risking this step.

Imagine a workforce where no one asks questions, no one provides feedback or suggestions.

This is why we need to support young people to recognise that not understanding or having an incorrect understanding is normal and human. Questions are vital to their learning and growth as an individual. Showing enjoyment and curiosity in a lesson is another important aspect of engagement at this level. Finally, sharing ideas and thinking with peers is how we super charge our engagement and outcomes.

Check with your young person to see if they understand what investing looks like. Are they challenging themselves to ask questions? Can they think of a recent example of investing at school?

Ms Carusi-Lees

Head of Pedagogy and Performance

Behaviour on Buses

🚌 REMINDER: Code of Conduct for Students on Buses

To keep bus travel safe and enjoyable for everyone, all students are expected to:

Act safely + responsibly — pay the fare, follow the driver’s instructions, and follow bus rules.
Respect others — speak politely, respect personal space, and leave the bus tidy and undamaged.
Stay calm + careful — wait patiently at stops, stay seated if possible, store belongings safely, keep noise down, and avoid distracting the driver.
Get on + off safely — wait until the bus fully stops, signal the driver if you need to get off, and only cross the road once the bus has moved away.

⚠ Misconduct has consequences:

Category 1: Irresponsible behaviour → written warnings or short travel bans.
Category 2: Unsafe behaviour → up to 5–10 days refused travel.
Category 3: Dangerous/destructive → up to 10 weeks refused travel + behaviour
agreements.
Category 4: Life-threatening behaviour → long-term or permanent refusal of travel.

Let’s work together to make sure every bus journey is safe, respectful, and smooth!

For full details, see the attached document.

Away for the Day Policy

Our Away for the Day policy requires that all mobile phones are kept away during school hours to support a focused, distraction-free learning environment.

If you are finding it difficult to manage your phone use, remember that you can use your phone pouch at any time to help keep your device secure and out of sight. If you do not have a pouch, please visit the office to purchase one.

Let’s work together to make sure all students are following this important policy every day. Thank you for supporting a positive learning space for everyone every day.

Student Agency in their Learning

If you attended the parent teacher conferences earlier this term you may have received a frig magnet like this one.

The headings, Participating, Investing, Driving and Innovating represent the language teachers and students use at school to discuss the levels of engagement students are bringing to their learning.

Let’s focus on Participating. This is the most basic level of learning students can employ in their classroom and is what is expected at the start of every lesson every day.

At a participating level, students complete work set by the teacher and focus on what is happening in the classroom ensuring they understand. When asked to work with others, the student talks about the task to ensure it is completed.

The final indicator, of a student working at this level of learning, is their ability to answer questions that the teacher asks.

Check in with your young person to see if this is what they understand by participating? Is this what they bring to the start of each class? What level do they normally find themselves working at?

Ms Carusi-Lees

Head of Pedagogy and Performance

Options Career Information Bulletin

Packed with opportunities, updates, and advice, this is your go-to resource for exploring pathways beyond school.

Whether you're planning your next steps or just starting to think about life after graduation, this bulletin is designed to help you take those exciting first leaps into the future with confidence.

Student Laptops

Balmoral SHS is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school. All students are expected to have a fully charged laptop at school every day for use in their class lessons and learning activities.

We understand that some families may experience difficulty with purchasing a device for their students. Balmoral SHS is able to offer a temporary laptop hire levy scheme to support families. If you would like more information about this laptop hire program, please contact Mrs Anmaree Hudson - ahuds56@eq.edu.au

We are accepting International Students for Term 3

We are looking to increase the number of homestay families at BSHS. Host an International Student & Earn Up to $738/fortnight!

We’re looking for families to welcome international students into their homes! This is a fantastic opportunity to share cultures, create lifelong connections, and receive up to $738 per fortnight.

Interested?

Contact our Homestay Coordinator, Teresa, at tkrum0@eq.edu.au or 0436 625 367 to learn more!

Lost Property

Are you missing any school uniform items? Parents and students are reminded that there is a lost property box located outside V Block stairwell (Administration office). There is an abundance of items waiting to be collected! Please ask your student to check for lost items. Please also ensure all uniform and other personal belongings are clearly marked.

Kickstart a career that makes a real difference!

We’re now taking Expressions of Interest for the Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) – specialising in Ageing and Disability – right here at our Milton campus.

✅ Hands-on, industry-relevant training

✅ 120 hours of practical placement

✅ Countless job opportunities in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries

📞 Contact Chris on 0415 611 339 or Yasmin on 0435 381 799

📍 Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more!

Empower the Next Generation

Are you a local business looking to inspire future professionals? Balmoral State High School’s Work Experience Week is your chance to mentor eager Year 10 students and give them real-world insights into your industry.

By hosting a student, you'll not only help shape their career path but also gain fresh perspectives and enthusiastic support in your workplace. It’s a great way to give back to the community while spotting potential future talent!

Get involved today!

Contact Balmoral at: seniorschooling@balmoralshs.eq.edu.au or (07) 3823 8588

Cleaners Wanted

Casual Cleaners are needed. If you are interested in casual cleaning work at Balmoral, please email facilities@balmoralshs.eq.edu.au

Key Dates

Looking forward to June, Term 2