Principal Update
Message from the Principal
Year 6 Transition Support
This week, we welcomed a strong turnout of parents and carers to our Year 6 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday night. We were pleased to again have Nicole Dorrington from Psycinmind.com present to our community. Nicole provided valuable reassurance as families prepare their children for the transition to high school, highlighting the importance of balancing guidance with encouragement—supporting students to develop independence rather than simply telling them what to do.
Nicole also reminded parents that changing friendship groups is a normal and healthy part of the Year 7 journey. She reinforced the value of students arriving organised and ready for the day and encouraged families to rely on their established home routines to help students feel confident and prepared as they begin high school.
Looking ahead, our transition program for 2026 is being strengthened to provide trial experiences and hands-on opportunities that help students connect more deeply with staff and form early relationships with peers from a range of primary schools. These experiences are designed to build confidence, familiarity, and a sense of belonging well before students officially start in Year 7.
We encourage families to confirm enrolments early and commence applications for Year 7 in 2027 from Term 1, 2026, ensuring ongoing communication and access to updates about transition activities across Terms 2, 3, and 4. We are finalising these offerings in Week 10 of Term 4, including a number of engagement-based activities for incoming students.
As communicated through our P&C Association, we have requested approval for staff to commence their end-of-year farewell lunch from 12:00pm on Thursday 12 December. Students who require supervision on this day will be supervised by supply teachers in the library from 12:00pm–2:45pm.
2025 Aerospace Awards
We are proud to share that Balmoral State High School has been recognised as a Finalist in the Aerospace Awards, acknowledging our school’s leadership in STEM education and the strength of our aviation and aerospace programs.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and industry partners who continue to elevate learning through hands-on experiences, authentic pathways, and innovative practice.
Congratulations to everyone involved on this outstanding accomplishment.
Entrepreneurial Schools Project
We are pleased to share that Balmoral State High School has today been awarded a $50,000 grant as an Entrepreneurial Schools Project and further our creation of a culture of Agency and Innovation. Congratulations to Bribie Doyle for your submission of this grant.
The Entrepreneurial Schools Project is a two-year initiative that strengthens student agency and contemporary learning. An “entrepreneurial school” isn’t about every student becoming an entrepreneur—it’s about building the confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills young people need to shape their future and contribute to their community. Through principal coaching, staff professional learning, a Youth Council, and partnerships with industry and community, this project will help us create an innovation accelerator that empowers students to develop ideas that make a real impact.
A sincere thank you to all Year 10 and Year 11 students for their focus and engagement during the final week of block exams for 2025. As we move into the reporting phase, this is an important time for students to reflect on their achievements and consider their individual growth goals for 2026. A small number of Year 10 students are still required to finalise their subject selections for next year, and we ask families to make early contact with the school if any student is considering transitioning to another school.
We have also received numerous applications from students wishing to commence their senior studies at Balmoral in 2026 and we are still confirming the subjects and pathways available for new senior students. Parents are asked to provide advanced notice if their child will not be returning to Balmoral in 2026. As part of this process, families are required to complete a student clearance form, including confirmation of the student’s destination school, or intended pathway. This information is essential for accurate planning around staffing, timetabling, and resourcing for the year ahead.
Farewell to all Year 10s and Year 11 students, enjoy your well-deserved break and look forward to welcoming you back for a brilliant 2026 school year.
Regards,
Timothy Barraud
Principal