Principal's Report
I hope that everyone who is part of the extended BHS community has enjoyed a restful, safe and rejuvenating holiday period and are feeling ready for the year ahead. The beginning of a new academic year always brings with it a sense of possibility and it has been a pleasure to see that energy already returning to our school community once Years 7-12 were back. From the professional learning days to the student interviews and extending to year level assemblies and first lessons back, there is definitely something in the air on Sturt Street. There is a definite feeling that our students are ready for the challenges that this year will bring and in discussions they are ready to not only dream big but will dig in to make whatever success means to them happen.
It has been wonderful to welcome so many families back on site this week for our ‘Welcome Interviews’. Prioritising these conversations at the very start of the year is a deliberate decision and one that signals our strong commitment to partnership between home and school. When we take the time to listen, learn and build shared understanding about each student, we place ourselves in the best possible position to support their learning, wellbeing and growth. These early connections are the foundation on which trust, belonging and success are built and we know how much these concepts matter to our students.
The importance of strong, positive relationships has also been at the centre of our professional learning over the first two days of the academic year. Together, staff have explored how we can continue to get the very best out of our students by increasing meaningful “opportunities to respond” in every classroom. Our focus this year is on students actively demonstrating their learning, receiving timely and purposeful feedback and being supported to address misconceptions so that learning is deep, confident and enduring.
This work is underpinned by consistent whole-school routines and expectations that promote kindness, respect and responsibility. High expectations sit at the heart of everything we do at BHS—not as pressure, but as a belief in every student’s capacity to grow, improve and achieve. When students know they are supported, challenged and safe, they are far more willing to take risks in their learning and to persevere when things feel difficult. Our aim is to ensure that every student experiences BHS as a secure and welcoming place where they are known, valued and encouraged to be their best.
In addition, staff have engaged in intensive professional learning around the Berry Street Education Model and Trauma-Informed Positive Education. This work strengthens our ability to take a compassionate, strengths-based approach to supporting students who may have experienced trauma, while still maintaining high expectations for learning and behaviour. At its core, this approach reinforces our commitment to being a school where all students experience positive relationships, affirmation and encouragement—a place where every student feels connected and that they truly belong. It also helps teachers recognise the fundamental and extraordinary difference they can make beyond the curriculum. Learning who you are and recognising who you want to be is a key part of adolescence and it must be modelled by teachers who care. At Ballarat High School, we believe in the potential of our students and our capacity to help them realise this potential.
As with every new school year, we also welcome new faces who have joined us on our ongoing journey of learning and continuous improvement. BHS is fortunate to attract strong interest when positions become available and we have recruited a range of highly skilled leaders and teachers who will add value to our community and to the learning experiences of our students.
Most notably, we welcome our two new Assistant Principals, Narelle Bean and Natalie Maher, who will support our Year 10–12 Sub-school. Alongside Donna Phillips (Year 7) and Michele Kennedy (Years 8–9), they form part of our new sub-school structure, designed to ensure we carefully and effectively manage the key transitions that occur throughout a student’s high school journey.
Families of students who graduated last year will already know Narelle, who stepped into the role during Terms 3 and 4. Narelle is an experienced Senior School Assistant Principal with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and she quickly formed a deep and genuine connection with our community—one that guided her decision to return to us in a permanent capacity.
We are also delighted to welcome Natalie back to BHS. A proud alumnus, Natalie brings significant leadership experience, most recently as a Regional Education Improvement Leader working across secondary and primary schools to improve outcomes for Ballarat students. Her strong understanding of quality teaching and learning, combined with her staunch advocacy for BHS, will be a considerable asset as we build on the successes of last year.
And it wouldn’t be a newsletter article without an opportunity to sing the praises of some of our talented students! Well done last weekend to all the crews who took part in the Wendouree Regatta. The rowing season is relatively short but incredibly arduous and requires deep commitment and resilience. We are proud of all of our students who represent our school, but special recognition must go to the following students who absolutely smashed it on Lake Wendouree!
Senior Boys Division 1, B Grade winners: Will Hudson, Ari Williams, Rufus Tomich, Jed Murray, Cox - Xavier Pompe
Year 10 Girls Division 1 Under-17 Quad Scull winner: Esther Linguey, Azara Hart, Dascha Powell, Sophie Steenhuis, Cox - Amelia Pompe
We start this year as we mean to go on—with high expectations, strong relationships, and a firm belief that our students can achieve whatever they set their hearts and minds on.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will continue to build a school community grounded in trust, connection and belonging, where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Stephan Fields
Principal
