Message from the Principal

This week’s Student Learning Conferences were a strong reflection of our shared commitment to student learning, engagement, and agency. It was particularly encouraging to see students, parents and teachers connecting around progress, celebrating achievements, and identifying the next steps required to support sustained improvement in learning and personal progress.

The feedback from families has reinforced the value of this approach. One parent shared that they “loved having the students there to help hold them responsible for their learning” and valued the opportunity to consider how they could best support their child’s journey. Another reflected that the process was “collaborative and engaging”, appreciating the opportunity to hear teachers and their son working together. We also received the simple but powerful feedback: “Love Balmoral SHS!”

Families also acknowledged the commitment of our teachers, with feedback highlighting appreciation for their time, feedback and support provided, as well as the organisation of the day. This is an important reflection of the professionalism and care our staff bring to these conversations.

We also recognise the constructive feedback regarding access to appointments. Some families indicated that teachers, particularly in important subjects such as Mathematics and English, booked quickly and they missed the opportunity to connect. While the level of demand is encouraging, this is an important consideration as we review the model. Parents can reach out to our staff at any point in the learning journey.

Thank you to all families who completed our survey. I recognise that the timing of these conferences is not always convenient for every family. Any changes to the school day, including the timing of teacher interviews, need to be carefully considered and consulted on with staff. We will now review the feedback and consider the best way forward, with any future changes communicated through our P&C Association.

Importantly, the conferences are part of our broader Learner First journey. Having students actively involved in reflecting on their learning, discussing their progress, and identifying how they can improve is a significant step towards building genuine student agency. It shifts the conversation from adults talking about students to students actively participating in conversations about their own learning. We aim to acknowledge the impact of progress of a students’ learning journey.

Another highlight this week was our Year 12 100 Days Celebration. Our Year 12 rock band set the tone with some fantastic rock classics and created a wonderful atmosphere for the celebration. As we marked this milestone with our graduating students, I was reminded once again of the capability, commitment and contribution of our students and the important role they play in creating a thriving school spirit.

These moments, whether in a learning conference or a Year 12 celebration, remind us that our culture is built through relationships, high expectations, student voice and a strong sense of belonging. This is what makes Balmoral a community where our students can learn, contribute and thrive.

Timothy Barraud

Principal