Principal's Report
Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded again and again that a school is far more than a collection of classrooms and corridors; it is a living community that stretches across time, linking past, present, and future generations of learners. What makes Ballarat High School special is the people and the deep connections that they feel to each other and their school. Memories are made at 1726 Sturt Street, and these are memories that have the power to endure, as we have the power to make a difference in each other’s lives.
Three events over the course of the last week have captured this spirit beautifully: the return of our alumni for their reunion tours, the incredible participation of our staff and students in Peach’s Run, and the inspiring leadership shown by our Year 9 Peer Support Leaders at the Year 6 Information Evening for our future Year 7s. Each of these moments, in its own way, reflects the essence of who we are as a school—connected, compassionate, and committed to growth and belonging.
In my first reunion tour since becoming Principal, I was humbled by how much, even after so much time had passed, the memories of our school still kept the bonds that bind friendships strong. As a school community, we welcomed back alumni from the Classes of 1975, 1995, 2005, and 2015 and whilst buildings and curriculum may have changed over the passing years, the stories still resonated with the lives and dreams of the students who currently attend. What struck me most during this event was how consistent our school’s core spirit has remained over time. Alumni spoke not just about academic experiences, but about the sense of community, support, and opportunity they found here— qualities that continue to define our school today. They were delighted to see that we remain committed to our values and our belief that anything is possible for our students. It was so good to speak to so many who had gone on to achieve so much in their lives and appreciate the importance their time here still has for them.
The strength of our alumni program lies in these stories and through sharing them with our current students. High school can be challenging, but it does lead to so many opportunities that our students have to believe they are ready for, just like the former students who have gone before them. Their stories may be unwritten, but they should take encouragement from those who have walked the halls and corridors before them.
It was an honour to speak to former teacher Mr Nykoluk, who was part of Ballarat High School for nearly 30 years. He spoke so passionately about his time here and the friendships and connections he had made. It was also heartwarming to see the pride of the alumni whose names were on the ‘honour board’ in Peacock Hall as they had pictures taken with friends who had shared magical moments with them and loved ones who were accompanying them, for the first time, to their high school. And even after 30 years, some of our alumni had to be dissuaded from attempting to slide down the banister in the Sheehan Wing - some things never change!
Our school’s commitment to the James Petrie Fund runs through so much of what we do at Ballarat High School across the academic year. James was a much loved and respected staff member, and his legacy of compassion and making a difference is inter-generational. The fund itself is instrumental in supporting projects which respond to mental health issues in our region with specific focus on engaging and connecting young people to each other and their community. Last weekend, on a bitterly cold Saturday morning, over 100 of our students and staff braced the wind and the rain to connect and remind ourselves about what truly matters. With so many teams and individuals from across our area united in James’ memory it was inspiring to see the VM team cross the line as the first team to complete the 33 laps as a group. Throughout their senior years at BHS, our students will engage more and more with the fund’s work to raise awareness about the importance of not just mental health, but how we look after ourselves and each other. This event is a reminder that we are not alone and there are others we can call upon.
If the reunion tours and charity run celebrated our past and present, then the Year 6 Information Night was our glimpse into the future. Each year, this evening marks a milestone for our incoming students and their families. It’s a chance for them to learn about the opportunities that await them, the organisational changes that high school brings, and to begin picturing themselves as part of our community.
After COVID, the face-to-face element of this event had been lost with presentations being strictly online. This year, we decided to go back to a more personal experience, recognising the mixed emotions and anxieties felt by students and families as they prepare to make that big jump into high school. The move was clearly welcomed by our community with 412 people in attendance across two sessions. This year’s event was particularly inspiring thanks to the leadership of our Peer Support Team. These Year 9 students—carefully selected for their empathy, positivity, and sense of responsibility—spoke to the Year 6s and their families about their own experiences of transition. They shared honest reflections on the excitement and challenges of starting high school, offering practical advice about organisation, friendship, and self-confidence.
What stood out most was the warmth and authenticity of their presentations. They spoke not as authority figures, but as older siblings—reassuring, approachable, and full of enthusiasm. Their stories helped to demystify the secondary school experience and showed our incoming students that they will be welcomed and supported from day one.
Whilst it seems such a simple thing, the advice to say ‘Hi!’ and take the risk of making friends was the most important message of the evening. Whilst it may be intimidating to students from the smaller of the 30 feeder schools that make up a BHS cohort, our size is our superpower. Our soon to be students were reassured that they would be able to find their tribe with which to make some amazing memories across the six years they will be with us.
Thank you so much to Zach McIntyre, Michen Fernando, Amelia Pompe, Georgia Ryan, Favour Okafor and Mackenzie Thurlbeck for being the reassurance our 2026 Year 7’s need.
When we look at these three events together—the alumni reunions, Peach’s Run, and the Year 6 Information Night—a common thread emerges. Each represents a bridge between people and generations. Our alumni remind us of where we’ve come from; our charity runners remind us of who we are today; and our peer leaders remind us of who we are becoming.
Education, at its heart, is about connection. It’s about helping young people discover not only what they can achieve, but also how they can contribute to each other’s lives. It’s about recognising that each of us stands on the shoulders of those who came before, and that we, in turn, have a responsibility to support those who will follow.
I often say that schools are not just places of learning—they are communities first and foremost: communities of people who have struggles, dreams and who need each other.
Our returning alumni brought stories of gratitude and growth; our runners showed courage and compassion; and our peer leaders demonstrated empathy and leadership. Together, they painted a portrait of a school that values both excellence and kindness, achievement and wellbeing, individuality and belonging- a community that I am proud to belong to.
Stephan Fields
Principal