Principal Update
Message from the Principal
Week 2 Principal Update – A Strong Start to the Year
Our school community has continued a strong and positive start to the year. Students have settled well into routines and procedures, and there is a clear sense of purpose across classrooms and shared spaces. This calm, focused beginning creates the right conditions for learning as we move forward together.
Earlier this week, during our whole-school assembly, I reinforced the importance of maintaining 95% attendance across the year. Attendance matters because every day at school creates opportunity — to engage in live learning, receive timely feedback, and build momentum as learners.
To support this focus, we have introduced Engagement Heads of Department, who will work closely with students and families to strengthen attendance and engagement where required. We recognise that family travel and unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we appreciate early communication from parents and carers when absences are known. This partnership allows us to best support students to stay connected to learning and to build their agency in progressing successfully.
DRIVE – Engagement Reimagined
DRIVE is our 2026 theme and represents our deliberate commitment to learning growth and impact.
Last week, I shared that we achieved some of the strongest academic results in our school’s history. What stood out most was not only high achievement, but the academic resilience demonstrated through measurable growth — particularly movement from B to A across cohorts. This reinforces an important message for our whole community: effort, consistency, and engagement matter.
This year, we remain grounded in distance travelled for every learner. Success looks different for different students, but growth is non-negotiable. Alongside academic learning, we will continue to strengthen:
- resilience
- learner confidence
- social and emotional capability
These capabilities are foundations for long-term success — at school and beyond.
Engagement Is Visible
Engagement is not limited to what happens in the classroom; it is also reflected in how students present:
- to school
- at school
and with each other
Consistent uniform expectations help create a calm, focused environment where teachers and students can prioritise learning and connection. Staff have been asked to be vigilant and consistent, so expectations are clear and predictable for all students.
As part of ensuring strong conditions for learning, students are being asked each day if they are “ready to lock in” to their learning. This includes wearing the correct uniform, arriving on time, and having a charged laptop for every lesson, ready to actively participate.
During classroom visits, I will speak with students who do not have a device available to reinforce the requirement for access to teacher-directed learning through Teams and OneNote. All students also access their textbooks online via ReadCloud, where they can annotate and highlight content to support revision and reflection. Loan devices remain available to ensure continuity of learning when personal devices are unavailable.
It has been wonderful to see students confidently engaging in an integrated learning model — moving between digital tasks, handwritten work, online quizzes, and digital textbooks to check for understanding. Encouragingly, many students are also referencing our shared language around engagement and taking ownership of their learning during class discussions.
Strengthening Community Connections
Next week, we will host a New Families Afternoon on Tuesday 10 February from 4.00pm, held in the terrace area. Heads of Department and staff will be available for informal meet-and-greet conversations, transition support, and general questions as students continue settling into high school. A light afternoon tea will be provided.
Now that classes and subject changes have concluded for the semester, teachers will also begin reaching out to parents and carers with a brief introductory email and learning update. As advised by the Department of Education, teacher email addresses are no longer published on the school website; however, teachers will provide families with their contact details directly to support ongoing communication and partnership.
Community Highlights
Families following our social media channels may have noticed the launch of my new Spotify podcast series, Chalk Talk. This series provides an opportunity to share reflections and conversations with staff and learning partners who inspire excellence at Balmoral.
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak with Georgia Wignall, Senior Education Officer – Pedagogy (Department of Education) and former Head of Department Science at Balmoral. Our discussion explored emerging issues related to the use of artificial intelligence in education, including insights from our 2025 partnership with the University of Queensland and the ethical considerations for students and schools as this technology continues to evolve.
The week concluded on a high note with our 2026 Swimming Carnival. The energy, house spirit, and leadership on display were outstanding, with our student leaders doing a fantastic job setting the tone for the House Cup competition in 2026.
Together, we continue to build a learning environment where engagement is visible, expectations are clear, and every learner is supported to thrive.
Regards,
Timothy Barraud
Principal