Highlights of the Week!

Building an Entrepreneurial Future at Balmoral

Balmoral State High School has received a grant to participate in the Entrepreneurial Schools Project, supporting our capacity to embed entrepreneurial education meaningfully across the curriculum.

As part of the project, staff and students took part in a two-day site visit focused on creative thinking, collaboration and turning ideas into action.

On Wednesday, students participated in an Impact Boss incursion, completing a design thinking challenge to develop a social enterprise connected to an issue they felt passionate about. The challenge encouraged students to consider how their ideas could make a positive difference in their communities.

Thursday morning saw teachers explore the four pillars of an entrepreneurial school, considering practical ways to integrate entrepreneurial education into teaching and learning across Balmoral.

In the afternoon, our Entrepreneurial Youth Council came together for team-building activities and to determine the next steps for their two-year project focused on redesigning the Year 7 curriculum. This work will give students an active voice in shaping learning experiences for future Balmoral students.

Year 9 Camp at Alexandre Headlands: Building Confidence and Connections

Last week, 105 of our Year 9 students spent three days together at Alexandra Park for Year 9 Camp. After having some time to reflect, I wanted to share just how proud I am of this cohort and what I saw across those three days.

From the beginning, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves and connect with people they may not normally spend time with. Whether it was pushing through Boot Camp, working together during Beach Olympics, speaking with someone new in Conversation Circles, or offering genuine words of encouragement through Big Ups, there were so many moments where our students showed courage, resilience and kindness.

One of the most significant moments for me came during our second day, when students had the opportunity to speak honestly about the culture of their year level and the kind of cohort they want to become. It was not always an easy conversation, but many students showed enormous vulnerability and maturity in speaking openly in front of their peers. What followed was a real sense of clarity about where we are as a group and, importantly, where we can go from here.

By the final day, I could see a genuine shift. Students were working alongside people they would not usually speak with, encouraging one another and reflecting on what they wanted to take back to school. Some spoke about discovering new friendships, while others recognised that challenging themselves, even when something feels difficult in the moment, can lead to growth.

For me, that is what camp was really about. It was not simply three days away from school or a collection of activities. It was an opportunity for our Year 9s to see each other differently, to recognise their own strengths and to think about the kind of people, and the kind of cohort, they want to be.

To our students, thank you for the way you embraced the experience. There were plenty of laughs, some tired bodies, a few challenging moments and many memories that I hope you will carry with you.

To our staff, thank you for giving your time, energy and care across the three days. Camp does not happen without staff who are willing to step away from their own families and commitments to support our learners, and I am incredibly grateful.

And to our parents and carers, thank you for trusting us with your young people and for supporting them to be part of the experience.

My hope now is that the best parts of camp do not stay at Alexandra Park. The real success of the three days will be seen in how we treat one another, the connections we continue to build, the courage we show when things are difficult, and the way we choose to contribute to our Year 9 community moving forward.

I am incredibly proud of what I saw and excited to see what this cohort can continue to become.

Trevor Buckingham

Head of Department – Middle School Engagement

Mental Health Week: Build Community, Build Wellbeing

Sometimes, a simple chat can make a difference—and during Mental Health Week, our students brought the conversation to Balmoral with a roaming couch!

With the theme “Build Community, Build Wellbeing,” students carried the couch to different locations around the school, creating a welcoming place for peers to sit down, connect and have a chat. Chalk activities during first lunch also gave students an opportunity to get involved.

The activities were a reminder that building connections and making time for one another can support our wellbeing and strengthen our school community.

Thank you to Mr Howard for organising the roaming couch and to our student volunteers for doing the heavy lifting—literally!

⚽ QFSL Finals

A proud day for Balmoral, with both our girls and boys teams giving their all in today’s QFSL Finals.

Our girls battled hard in a narrow 1–0 loss, showing determination and teamwork right to the final whistle. They can hold their heads high after a fantastic effort.

Our boys claimed a well-earned 2–0 victory, delivering a brilliant team performance to be crowned QFSL champions! 🏆

Congratulations to all players and coaches on their hard work and commitment. You’ve done Balmoral proud! 👏