Principal Update

Message from the Principal

Enacting Our Values in Action

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate changes to service delivery next Wednesday, 6 August. While I am a member of the Queensland Teachers’ Union, I will be on site to assist with supervision and ensure that all students who require care on the day are supported. We are working closely with the Department of Education to ensure a safe and calm environment for all students in attendance.

This week, we took another important step in enacting our school value of Belonging by seeking student voice on a matter that significantly impacts learning and connection: attendance. As Principal, I am committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and supported at Balmoral State High School. While Year 8 and Year 11 students contribute to the annual School Opinion Survey, I wanted to hear from a broader cross-section of our school community. That’s why we launched a whole-school student feedback survey focused on classroom connection, teacher impact, and the culture of welcome we aim to foster every day.

Already, 25% of our student body has responded. The results affirm that we are on the right path:

• Over 75% of students shared that their classrooms are welcoming and that their teachers actively support collaboration and connection.
• 70% reported that their teachers make an effort to get to know them as individual learners.
• 80% said their teachers encourage them to reflect on what they’re learning in class.

Most powerfully, 72% of students, particularly in Junior Secondary, said their teachers are asking questions that challenge them to think more deeply — a clear indicator that our shared work around the Engagement Accelerator is taking root.

We know that regular attendance underpins academic success. That’s why we’ve set a whole-school goal of 95% attendance – roughly one day absent per month. To support this, I’ve been meeting with student groups and sharing how small absences can add up to significant gaps in learning. We’re also asking families to partner with us in this effort.

Together, we are building a learning culture that not only values high expectations and academic growth, but one where every student feels connected, known, and challenged. 

Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us in this important work.

Regards,

Timothy Barraud

Principal – Balmoral State High School